The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations Made by the South African Police Service’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, yesterday heard evidence from the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. His testimony included revelations about alleged attempts by criminal cartels and other individuals to infiltrate the South African Police Service (SAPS) and to remove him from office.
The proceedings began with Advocate Norman Arendse, SC, leading General Masemola’s evidence-in-chief. General Masemola, who was appointed in April 2022, told the committee that he is determined to complete his term of office, which is due to end in 2027. He noted that previous national commissioners had departed prematurely from office, a pattern he hopes to break. “I would want to finish the term,” he said.
General Masemola testified that since his appointment, some individuals and organised crime groups have continued to undermine his authority and push for his removal. “You will find there will be criminal cartels that will go to little corners to connive and come with a case, whether there is a case or not. The fact of the matter is that you have to be removed – that is the reality of the situation,” he told the committee.
He further cautioned that there are parallel structures within and outside the SAPS that seek to manipulate or influence the office of the National Commissioner. “From the day one has been appointed, there are those already working day and night to see how you can be removed,” he added.
Responding to Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s earlier evidence regarding the infiltration of SAPS and the broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, General Masemola clarified that such activities were the work of a small group of individuals or cartels. “It’s not everybody. It’s a small group of individuals whose whole purpose is to take control, which of course we are not allowing to happen. We deal with people who are sophisticated and know what they are doing,” he said.
On the question of vetting processes within SAPS, General Masemola said the service is doing its best to ensure proper procedures are followed. He revealed that SAPS had approached the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to assist with lifestyle audits of senior management, noting that the SIU has the necessary capacity and independence. “Not that I undermine the internal one,” he said, referring to SAPS’s own vetting capabilities. He added that meetings with the SIU have been ongoing and that the unit would soon begin its work.
The hearings continue today, with members of the Ad Hoc Committee expected to engage further with General Masemola on his testimony.
Winding up his testimony yesterday, Gen Masemola confirmed the search and seizure of electronic devices belonging to Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya and attempts to do the same to Minister Senzo Mchunu. He emphasised that no arrests were made during the operation as the information at his disposal was that it was only focused on electronic devices.
Rajaa Azzakani
10 October 2025
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