‘Fightback to Capture Police’: Activists Claim Masemola Summons a ‘Strategy to Shield Corrupt Officials’

The summons issued against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to appear before court has raised concerns over “a strategy to protect those implicated in corruption.”

The Allegations

The Activists and Citizens Forum (ACF) has described the summons as “a fightback by those hellbent on capturing the police services and the entire criminal justice system.”

At the same time, Change.org issued a petition calling for the removal of Advocate Andrea Johnson as head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Masemola was served with a summons last week to appear in court on 21 April. While he has not been charged with corruption directly, he reportedly faces four counts related to his alleged failure to comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) .

This follows the arrest of twelve other senior police officers charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering in connection with an irregular R360 million health services tender awarded to Medicare 24 , a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Masemola reportedly failed to act quickly enough to intervene in the contract despite warnings of irregularities.

Activists’ View

ACF spokesperson Dennis Bloem said the arrest of 12 police officers was “also a strategy put together to blindfold the public with the real motive and plan.”

“Everybody can see that this is clearly a fightback from those who are hellbent on capturing the police services and the entire criminal justice system by charging Masemola.”

He added: “We can say without any doubt that Commissioner Masemola is not a rogue police officer, unlike so many of his colleagues, some of whom are generals who are implicated at the Madlanga Commission and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. It is strange that not one of them is charged, but rather Commissioner Masemola, who is busy cleaning the SAPS.”

The Petition

Change.org has called for the removal of Johnson for the alleged “misuse of power and a discernible pattern of behaviour that might indicate improper and selective targeting, particularly towards high-ranking police officials.”

“This is a critical issue for many of us who believe in justice and fairness as foundational principles of our democracy. The integrity of law enforcement agencies is imperative for maintaining public trust.”

IDAC’s Response

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the claims by Change.org are “unfounded and disingenuous.”

In a statement on Saturday, IDAC officially dismissed allegations that it is deliberately targeting senior SAPS officials. The directorate maintains that its actions are based solely on evidence and due legal process.

Mamothame said the investigation was referred to them by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit in 2024 , not by external political committees or recent public commissions.

He labelled the targeting allegations as “irresponsible” and “reckless,” warning that such false narratives could destabilise the fight against corruption and undermine public trust.

The Context

In November 2025, Johnson told the Ad Hoc Committee that IDAC operates independently of SAPS, focusing on corruption and state integrity.

Evidence at the Madlanga Commission detailed how senior officials on the bid evaluation committee allegedly bypassed standard procedures and received bribes and gifts to facilitate the award.

The commission was established following a “bombshell” media briefing by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi , who alleged that senior officials orchestrated a plot to sideline Masemola to facilitate political interference.

Masemola also told the Ad Hoc Committee that there were ongoing “plans day and night” by criminal cartels and internal forces to have him removed.

Security Expert’s View

Security expert Willem Els said it is possible that Masemola could be targeted, adding that there have been a lot of character assassinations following Mkhwanazi’s media briefing.

“We saw how character assassination started to come in ever since Mkhwanazi’s press conference.”

The Bottom Line

Is the Masemola summons a legitimate prosecution or a political strategy? Activists say it’s a fightback. IDAC says it’s due process.

The Madlanga Commission exposed deep rot. Mkhwanazi warned of plots. Now the top cop is in court.

The battle for the soul of SAPS continues.

{Source: IOL}

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