Former JMPD ‘Cop of the Year’ Accused of Shielding Criminal Syndicates
Retired Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Superintendent Phineas Manyama, who was named the city’s 2019 Cop of the Year, has been accused of protecting criminal syndicates, interfering with police operations and misusing departmental resources.
The allegations were made by JMPD Internal Affairs head Superintendent Elmarie de Beer during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
De Beer told the commission that Manyama, who headed the Tactical Response Unit (TRU), allegedly instructed officers to escort trucks carrying stolen copper to criminal syndicates in exchange for a share of the proceeds.
She further alleged that Manyama instructed officers to abandon a pursuit of a suspected drug dealer and later told them to stand down after five suspected cocaine bricks were found.
The officers allegedly continued with the operation and recovered a further 12 bricks of suspected cocaine at the suspect’s home.
De Beer also testified that certain areas were allegedly designated as “no-go” zones for ordinary patrols, raising concerns that this may have allowed criminal syndicate activity to continue without interference.
She further alleged that JMPD vehicles and rotating officers were deployed to guard a friend’s liquor business in Lenasia. Officers allegedly took turns standing guard at the premises.
Manyama was previously recognised as Johannesburg’s 2019 Cop of the Year and received a R5,000 cash prize and a Volkswagen Polo Vivo. He was recognised for his work, including operations that resulted in arrests linked to a diesel-theft syndicate.
De Beer told the commission that Internal Affairs had sought to pursue disciplinary action against Manyama, but he retired in April 2026 before the process could be concluded. She said there was no criminal investigation arising from the allegations at the time because Internal Affairs did not have sufficient direct physical evidence, although potential evidence, including WhatsApp messages, was identified.
The allegations remain untested before the commission, and Manyama has not publicly respo