By: Xolani Khumalo
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern and frustration over the decision by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to return 121 political murder dockets to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) task team.
As first reported by City Press, Ramaphosa believes that Masemola’s actions may undermine or pre-empt the work of the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is currently probing allegations of political interference and failures within the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to politically motivated killings.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the publication that the President finds it “imprudent” for SAPS leadership to be interfering in areas and issues that are directly connected to the Mkhwanazi allegations, which form a central part of the commission’s mandate.
The Mkhwanazi allegations refer to claims made by former acting police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He alleged that there was political interference in police operations during his tenure, particularly in cases involving politically linked killings in KZN.
Ramaphosa has reportedly summoned Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia for a full explanation of Masemola’s decision and its potential implications for the credibility of the commission.
The return of the dockets to the provincial task team has raised fears of potential tampering, a lack of transparency, and ongoing political interference.
KwaZulu-Natal has long been marred by political violence. According to recent reports by civil society organisations, more than 450 political killings have been recorded in the province since 2011, making it one of the most politically volatile regions in the country.
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was appointed earlier this year to investigate the killings and recommend reforms aimed at restoring public trust in law enforcement.
Masemola has not yet publicly responded to the concerns raised by the Presidency.
