By: Pamella Majola
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has raised concerns about possible insubordination within the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the unauthorised transfer of 121 case dockets linked to political killings.
Addressing Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Masemola said the dockets were moved from the political killings task team to the SAPS head office in Pretoria without his knowledge or approval. He described the development as deeply concerning, warning that it could undermine established lines of authority within the police service.
Masemola told the committee he only became aware of the transfer after being informed by acting Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Hilda Senthumule. The delayed notification, he suggested, raised serious questions about internal communication and accountability at senior levels.
He further cautioned that the directives behind the transfer could be interpreted as interference in active investigations. The political killings task team, which has been central to probing politically motivated violence, particularly in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, relies on operational independence to carry out its work effectively.
Members of the committee are expected to probe the circumstances surrounding the decision, including who authorised the transfer and whether proper procedures were followed. The issue has also reignited broader concerns about political interference and the integrity of sensitive investigations within SAPS.
Masemola emphasised the importance of maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that investigative processes remain free from undue influence, warning that any breakdown in command structures could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
