South Africa's Police Scandal Deepens: President Ramaphosa Expresses Displeasure at Police Boss Masemola's Actions

Strategic Insights -

The political killings investigative team and case dockets saga in South Africa has taken a turn for the worse, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expressing his displeasure at Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's actions. The issue has sparked a high-level controversy involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), with acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia expressing his concerns about Masemola's actions in a media statement on Friday. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that the President had conveyed his apprehensions to Cachalia, saying that Masemola's actions were "imprudent tinkering" with areas contained in the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which are now a subject of inquiry by the Madlanga Commission.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Ramaphosa has expressed his displeasure at Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's actions relating to the political killings investigative team and case dockets.
  • Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has expressed his concerns about Masemola's actions, citing that the police chief had acted prematurely in dealing with the docks.
  • Cachalia has requested a report from Masemola on the task team, which has yet to be submitted.
  • The Madlanga Commission is set to investigate the allegations made by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, which include corruption and interference in the criminal justice system.
  • Masemola's actions have been described as "imprudent tinkering" by Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
  • The investigations linked to the docks may be halted until after the Madlanga Commission hearings or until after it makes findings.
  • Cachalia has called for Masemola and himself to maintain a professional and collegial relationship "at all times".
  • The national police spokesperson has declined to comment on the matter.

Statistics:

  • 121 case dockets under investigation were removed from the task team, according to Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi's allegations.
  • 6 years ago, KwaZulu-Natal's political killings task team was set up.
  • 1 September was the scheduled start date for the Madlanga Commission, but it was delayed due to infrastructure issues.
  • 2 Justice Department officials were suspended pending an investigation and disciplinary process.

Sources:

  • Daily Maverick
  • eNCA
  • City Press
  • Interpol