In a brief statement, IPID spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the agency's investigations "have unsettled those who are busy looting South African Police Service (SAPS) resources".

"Those targeted are specifically involved in investigations against [former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso] Phahlane and in the investigation of torture and murder allegations against [North West Hawks Major-General Jan] Mabula and his North West team," Dlamini said.

Dlamini also said it was "quite telling" that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided not to charge Phahlane for defeating the ends of justice despite "overwhelming evidence".

SAPS spokesperson Sally de Beer was unable to comment on the allegations by the time of publication.

Communication

NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku told News24 that their head Shaun Abrahams has not yet made a final decision on whether to prosecute Phahlane after IPID asked the agency to review its decision not to prosecute.

Mfaku criticised IPID for raising concerns through the media.

"They have a clear line of communications with us, we had a meeting where this was discussed. Why don't they talk to us directly?" Mfaku asked.

In November 2016, News24 reported that IPID had been investigating how Phahlane managed to afford the house which he had built in 2011 and 2012.

Allegations of cash payments of at least R700 000 and money stuffed into plastic shopping bags formed part of the probe.

In June, Phahlane said he "agreed to step aside" as police commissioner after engagement with Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula.

This followed hours after President Jacob Zuma appointed Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba as Acting National Commissioner.

Phahlane said he would use the extra time on his hands to focus on the allegations levelled against him by IPID.

News24