Cape Town – National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says he is waiting to be called by President Cyril Ramaphosa to give his account amid escalating turmoil within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking virtually from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on Wednesday, Masemola described the current situation as “unprecedented” and in urgent need of decisive intervention.
He confirmed SAPS is ready to brief the president upon his return from Brazil.
“Let me unequivocally say the current state of affairs is unprecedented and it is concerning, unfortunately, and requires uncompromising intervention to restore stability in the organisation. We acknowledge fully the commitment made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he would attend to this matter as soon as he arrives in the country,” he said.
Masemola also addressed claims about the alleged disbandment of KwaZulu-Natal’s political killings task team. He denied authorising the unit’s closure and stated no such order had ever crossed his desk.
“I have not signed it, and I don’t think anybody has ever seen a letter where I have signed off the closure of the unit,” he said.
This comes after KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed the task team was being targeted for dismantling due to interference from senior officials.
Masemola, however, said Mkhwanazi would not face any disciplinary action for briefing the media, adding, “He won’t be persecuted from my side.”
Masemola confirmed Mkhwanazi had received death threats and that his protection had been increased.
“He has been getting threats to his life in that province. We have beefed up his security,” he said.
The growing tension follows Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims over the weekend that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and his associate Brian Mogotsi had interfered with SAPS operations and were linked to controversial businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. M
atlala was awarded a R360 million SAPS tender in 2024 but was arrested recently on attempted murder charges. Phone data allegedly revealed a web of corruption involving Matlala, Mogotsi, and the minister.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
