News

Masemola: I Didn’t Close SA’s Political Killings Task Team

Published

2 months ago

July 9, 2025

Chiraag

Masemola press briefing, political killings, SAPS task team, KZN police, Mkhwanazi, South African crime, 2025 news, Joburg ETC

Explosive KZN claims raise national concern over police interference

South Africa’s top police official, General Fannie Masemola, has firmly denied allegations that he shut down the country’s political killings task team. These claims follow serious accusations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who recently raised concerns about political interference in ongoing investigations.

Mkhwanazi alleges that 125 case dockets related to political violence were abruptly removed from the specialised task unit, reportedly on orders from senior officials.

At a national media briefing this week, Masemola stated:

“I have never seen any letter which I signed off the closure.”

His remarks come amid rising speculation about the task team’s future and fears that critical investigations may have been halted to shield political interests.

Background: What Is the Political Killings Task Team?

The political killings task team was formed in response to a disturbing rise in politically motivated assassinations, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, a province historically plagued by violent political rivalries. Victims have ranged from ward councillors to whistleblowers, with dozens of lives lost in battles over power and influence.

The task team’s purpose has been to fast-track justice, prevent interference, and ensure accountability in politically sensitive cases. But now, its operational stability is under serious question.

Mkhwanazi Speaks Out and Receives Increased Security

Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s public statements have caused a nationwide stir. He alleges that the removal of 125 politically linked dockets was directed by Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sibiya, allegedly under instructions from the Minister of Police.

In response, Masemola not only denied signing off on the task team’s closure but also confirmed that Mkhwanazi’s personal security has been increased. While no direct threats have been revealed publicly, the decision points to growing internal tension within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Public Reaction: Distrust, Outrage, and Calls for Transparency

The South African public has taken to social media and public forums to demand clarity and accountability. Citizens are asking:

If Masemola didn’t authorise the removal, then who did?
Why would politically sensitive investigations be redirected?
Can SAPS still act independently when political power is involved?

Civil society groups and legal watchdogs are now calling for a full independent inquiry. With KZN’s history of unsolved political killings, concerns are mounting that justice is again being deferred for political reasons.

What Lies Ahead?

Masemola’s denial may protect his own reputation, but it doesn’t resolve the broader questions around internal police interference. The SAPS is now under pressure to prove its integrity, especially in cases that directly involve political interests.

For now, South Africans are watching closely and demanding more than just words. They want truth, transparency, and accountability.