National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has confirmed he has not yet been approached to testify before the high-profile judicial inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct within South Africa’s criminal justice system. The inquiry, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, follows explosive allegations involving the diversion and tampering of political killings dockets.
The commission was established after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of removing politically sensitive case dockets from KwaZulu-Natal and diverting them to Gauteng, where they were allegedly neutralised to protect implicated individuals. The situation has escalated into a fierce legal and institutional battle that has placed the country’s top police leadership under scrutiny.
Masemola Caught in Legal Dispute with Deputy Sibiya
At the centre of the tension is a growing dispute between Masemola and his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya.He had placed Sibiya on administrative leave, a decision that has since spiralled into a legal confrontation, with both men now locked in a court battle. Sibiya is challenging his suspension, claiming it was unlawful and politically motivated, while Masemola maintains it was within his powers and necessary for the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Despite the mounting tension, Masemola remains firm in his stance, dismissing any suggestion that he acted improperly.
“Let it be adjudicated at court,” Masemola previously said in response to allegations of misconduct related to Sibiya’s suspension. In court papers, he repeated that his actions were based on due process and not influenced by external pressures.
With the commission set to begin public hearings on 1 September 2025, many observers expected that he would be one of the key witnesses. However, speaking during a media briefing on the R420 million drug destruction operation in Gauteng, Masemola confirmed he has not yet been called to appear before the commission.
“We will wait for the call. When we get the call, we will go. We won’t be hesitant to go, so that is basically where we are,” he told reporters.
The inquiry is expected to focus heavily on the handling of political killings dockets, internal corruption, and the alleged manipulation of police processes to protect politically connected individuals. Masemola’s testimony could prove pivotal, especially given his senior position and involvement in key decisions relating to Sibiya and the restructuring of internal investigations.
One of the underlying tensions in the inquiry stems from the strained relationship between Masemola and Mkhwanazi, with both playing crucial roles in the unfolding saga. Mkhwanazi, by raising the alarm about Sibiya’s actions, indirectly challenged Masemola’s leadership and oversight responsibilities.
When asked about his relationship with Mkhwanazi, Masemola downplayed any notion of a rift and stated that they have spoken.
“We’ve spoken. I’m ready to give evidence if I’m required,” Masemola said, signalling a willingness to cooperate with the inquiry process and present his version of events.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to launch the judicial inquiry has been widely viewed as a move to restore public trust in the police and the broader criminal justice system, which has been rocked by scandals, internal divisions, and allegations of cover-ups.
Political killings, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, have plagued the country for years, with minimal convictions and frequent claims that high-ranking politicians are shielded from prosecution. The inquiry is expected to shine a light on how dockets have been handled, whether deliberate interference has occurred, and who may be responsible.
Masemola’s role, both as the head of the police service and as a figure involved in disciplinary actions against a deputy accused of misconduct, will likely come under sharp focus.
While Masemola has not yet taken the stand, many legal and political analysts believe that his eventual testimony could reshape the trajectory of the inquiry. His insights into internal police dynamics, decisions made around Sibiya’s suspension, and interactions with provincial commissioners like Mkhwanazi could provide critical context.
Until then, Masemola appears content to let the legal and judicial processes unfold. However, the pressure is mounting, and with national attention fixed on the inquiry, the actions of South Africa’s top cop will be closely watched.
Source- EWN
