{
  "id": 15788999,
  "title": "UNLAWFUL AMMUNITION: Former top cop Mphego’s path, from Selebi and Zuma scandals to ammo accused",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/unlawful-ammunition-former-top-cop-mphegos-path-from-selebi-and-zuma",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T19:38:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-20-former-top-cop-mphegos-path-from-selebi-and-zuma-scandals-to-ammo-accused/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former police general Mulangi Mphego was released on bail after being accused of unlawfully possessing ammunition, according to a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. This added to several controversies he had faced over the years, including a connection to the Mfazi murder investigation and his past association with disgraced top cop Jackie Selebi.\n\nMphego appeared in Johannesburg Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he was released on R5,000 bail. The court heard that he had no previous convictions or pending criminal cases. The ammunition, found during a July 2026 raid at his home in Centurion, was alleged to have belonged to the State and was manufactured specifically for use by the SAPS, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).\n\nThe Mfazi murder investigation, which had led to Mphego's arrest, took place following the death of Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection Sindile Mfazi in July 2021. The NPA stated that the search at Mphego's home was part of this investigation.",
  "summary": "Former crime intelligence head Major-General Mulangi Mphego has been granted R5,000 bail following his first appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. He faces a charge of unlawful possession of more than 100 rounds of South African Police Service-issued ammunition. SABC News reports the ammunition was allegedly discovered at his Centurion home during a July search by the National Cold Case Unit. IOL reports the ammunition found included R5 and 9mm rounds.\n\nThe investigation is linked to the murder of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi. The magistrate ordered Mphego not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, noting his influence as a former police officer and company director. According to Daily Maverick, Mphego's name has previously surfaced in various controversies, including an investigation into a murdered policeman and matters involving former president Jacob Zuma and Jackie Selebi. The case has been postponed to November 3.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former police general Mphego released on bail for unlawful ammunition possession",
    "Accused in Mfazi murder investigation and linked to Jackie Selebi scandal",
    "Ammunition found during July 2026 raid at his Centurion home"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}