Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has noted the charges by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) against former acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane.

On Thursday, Phahlane and his wife -- who is also a South African Police Service (SAPS) member, Beauty Phahlane -- appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Court.

Phahlane is accused of fraud and corruption for allegedly taking kickbacks to secure police tenders for a company during his tenure as head of the police's forensics division.

They face six counts of corruption and fraud for allegedly accepting gratifications, discounts and motor vehicles from the third accused, Durandt Snyman, a car dealership owner from Pretoria East.

The Phahlanes, according to the charge sheets, were in possession of six cars between 2011 and 2017, which were alleged to be have been bought from or sponsored by Snyman.

The State is alleging that Phahlane received them as kickbacks for securing tenders when he was heading the Police Forensic Division.

The couple and Snyman were granted R10 000 bail each and the matter was postponed to 12 March.

In a statement, Minister Mbalula said the recommendation for Phahlane to step aside from his duties was meant to give the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) space to do its work without any interference.

“At this point, we now are obligated to allow the court process to go ahead without any hindrance and for justice to be done. As a Ministry, we shall not be offering commentary that could be seen prejudicial in the matter as it continues in court,” said Minister Mbalula.

The Minister said SAPS is obligated to offer assistance to IPID in the conduct of its lawful constitutional mandate.