TRC Cases Inquiry | De Beer denies political interference, says SAPS wasn’t meant to lead investigations

Retired SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Detective Services, Johan de Beer, has denied allegations of political interference in investigations into apartheid-era crimes, telling the TRC Cases Inquiry that police should not have led the investigations because doing it could have created a conflict of interest.

Testifying before the Commission in Newtown on Wednesday, De Beer defended his handling of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases and rejected claims that a controversial 2003 letter he wrote to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was intended to derail investigations.

Instead, he said the letter was aimed at clarifying which institution had the legal mandate to investigate apartheid-era crimes.

De Beer told the Inquiry that it made sense for the NPA to take the lead after then-President Thabo Mbeki decided the prosecuting authority should oversee the investigations. He said police officers investigating former colleagues could have faced divided loyalties, particularly given the sensitivity of apartheid-era crimes.

He also disputed claims that his September 2003 correspondence marked the beginning of political interference in TRC matters, insisting it reflected uncertainty over the respective roles of SAPS and the NPA rather than an attempt to obstruct prosecutions.

The retired general said SAPS nevertheless continued to support the NPA by assigning investigators and providing resources when requested. He also told the Commission that police assisted with subsequent audits into unresolved apartheid-era cases.

His evidence follows testimony by former Acting National Police Commissioner, Timothy Williams, who also defended SAPS’ decision not to participate in the Interdepartmental Task Team established to fast-track TRC cases. Williams told the Inquiry there was uncertainty over which institution should be responsible for investigating outstanding TRC matters.

Before concluding his evidence, De Beer confirmed that he is expected to return to the witness stand after legal representatives for families of apartheid victims indicated they intend to cross-examine him.

The Commission resumes its hearings on Thursday as it continues probing allegations of political interference that allegedly delayed the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

@TRC_inquiry
General De Beer: I have never engaged myself in any act(s) of political interference or otherwise, with the aim of stopping the investigations and/or prosecutions of the TRC Cases.

— TRC_inquiry (@TRC_inquiry) August 5, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe