President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly unhappy about National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s decision to return 121 investigation dockets to KwaZulu-Natal.
The dockets are central to allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a senior officer known for his anti-corruption stance.
In July, Mkhwanazi accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations. This includes disbanding the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and removing the dockets.
He also claimed Mchunu protected individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes. Mchunu, now on special leave, has denied all allegations.
Masemola has returned the dockets, enabling the local investigative team to resume its work.
Ramaphosa questions decision on KZN political killings dockets
City Press reported that Ramaphosa questioned why authorities had removed the dockets from the office of suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
He reportedly contacted acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to express concerns about the timing of Masemola’s actions, especially with a judicial commission of inquiry set to investigate the matter.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa expected SAPS leadership to cooperate fully with the minister and the commission to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
Cachalia Requests Report
On August 29, Cachalia responded publicly, noting that he had requested a detailed report on the Task Team from Masemola, which he has yet to receive.
“President Ramaphosa announced the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on July 13, 2025, to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations concerning the Task Team and related matters,” said Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi.
Cachalia added that his mandate from Ramaphosa includes ensuring SAPS integrity and rebuilding public trust.
He expressed concern that authorities were taking action before the commission had a chance to investigate.
Cachalia denied interfering, saying his concerns are part of his legal responsibilities as police minister.
Should SAPS leaders have returned political killings dockets to KZN before the commission investigated?
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