Retired Major General Philippus Christoffel Jacobs testified at the Khampepe Commission this week, denying any interference in delayed Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. Former Crime Intelligence head Raymond Lalla also testified on 10 April 2026, explaining a secret 2004 recording of a meeting with prosecutor Anton Ackermann. Both attributed their actions to oversight under National Commissioner Jackie Selebi.
Philippus Christoffel Jacobs, a retired Honorary Lieutenant General who served in the South African Police Service until 2017, appeared before the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry into delayed TRC prosecutions on Monday. He denied participating in high-level discussions or interfering in cases, stating, “at all material times during my tenure at SAPS, I had to perform my work subject to the national commissioner’s approval, who was the person responsible for decision-making on behalf of SAPS.”
Jacobs was seconded by Jackie Selebi in 2003 to the Amnesty Task Team as his “eyes and ears,” briefing him on draft reports before submission to the National Prosecuting Authority. His testimony responds to allegations in Lukhanyo Calata’s affidavit regarding political interference in cases like the Cradock Four murders.
On 10 April 2026, Raymond Lalla testified about secretly recording a 2004 confidential meeting with Anton Ackermann, head of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit. Lalla shared the recording with Selebi, who forwarded it to NPA head Bulelani Ngcuka. “I deliberately recorded it... I am the head of Crime Intelligence, so I want to keep proper recordings of what goes on,” Lalla said.
Ackermann had expressed disgust over the Directorate for Special Operations refusing TRC cases and denied claims of pursuing prosecutions against Thabo Mbeki or other ANC leaders. Lalla insisted he had no intention to stop prosecutions.
The commission examines executive involvement in stalling TRC cases, including Selebi’s role under Mbeki.
