He is one of three officers charged over the alleged assault and torture of a barber in Mowbray during a police raid in 2023.
While an internal South African Police Service (SAPS) disciplinary process cleared Manuel of wrongdoing, the criminal case against him is still pending.
Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee chairperson Ian Cameron said the promotion raised questions about whether the seriousness of the charges was properly considered.
Cameron said SAPS must explain who approved the decision.
“I have specifically requested the relevant assessments, recommendations, and approval records. Until SAPS provide those answers, I cannot say what informed this decision,” Cameron said.
Manuel’s criminal trial is expected to resume in May next year.
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