Tense Conclusion in SAPS

Masemola faces tough questions as inquiry wraps up

National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, returns to Parliament this week as the inquiry into turmoil within the South African Police Service (SAPS) enters its final and most tense phase, with senior officers accusing each other over the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) - a specialised unit that handled politically motivated murder cases.

Masemola is appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating what many members of parliament (MPs) have described as a growing crisis within the police service. His testimony is expected to address conflicting evidence about the shutdown of the PKTT.

During earlier hearings, suspended Deputy National Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, told MPs he acted on Masemola’s instructions when he implemented a directive from Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, to disband the unit. Masemola had previously testified that he opposed the decision.

The inquiry has also heard explosive claims from retired Deputy Commissioner, Francinah Vuma, who alleged that Masemola and former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, tried to force her out of the police service.

Despite the allegations, Masemola has insisted that SAPS is not in collapse, even while warning that criminal ‘cartels’ have tried to infiltrate parts of the justice system.

His testimony comes just days before the inquiry closes, with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, expected to be the final witness. The committee’s findings could shape the future leadership of SAPS at a time when public trust in the police remains.