In Defense of the Commissioner: Why the Criticism of Fannie Masemola is Misguided

The recent ad hoc committee hearing into the affairs of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola squarely in the crosshairs of political snipers. However, a closer look suggests that the volley of criticism directed at him is not only unfair but fundamentally misguided, confusing the complex realities of operational command for political posturing.

The core of the misguided criticism lies in a fundamental misunderstanding of the Commissioner’s role. His mandate is not to be a politician, but to be the operational commander of the police service. The expectation that he should engage in political theatrics or public grandstanding during a formal parliamentary process misses the point of his position entirely.

The Mandate of an Operational Leader

Commissioner Masemola’s primary duty, as defined by the Constitution and the SAPS Act, is the operational control and management of the police. This is a vast and complex task focused on strategy, resource deployment, and fighting crimenot on winning political debates in committee rooms.

His measured and detail-oriented approach during the hearing, which some critics have labeled as unresponsive, can be more accurately seen as the caution of a professional who understands that his words have direct consequences for ongoing investigations and the morale of over 180,000 police officers.

Navigating a Political Minefield

The ad hoc committee itself exists in a highly politicized environment. It is a forum where political parties often seek to score points rather than pursue constructive solutions. For an operational head like Masemola, navigating this requires a focus on facts and due process, not political point-scoring.

Accusations that he was “evasive” or “defensive” often arise when he refuses to be drawn into political speculation or to comment on matters that are legitimately sub judice or part of sensitive internal processes. This is not evasion; it is adherence to legal and professional protocols.

Substance Over Soundbites

The true measure of a Police Commissioner’s effectiveness should be the safety and security of the public, not his performance in a political hearing. While parliamentary accountability is non-negotiable, the demand for dramatic soundbites should not override the need for substantive, factual testimony.

The misguided criticism of Commissioner Masemola reflects a dangerous trend where the demanding, unglamorous work of professional policing is undervalued in favor of political spectacle. Holding the police accountable is essential, but it must be done with an understanding of the distinct roles that separate operational command from political oversight. To conflate the two is to do a disservice to both the fight against crime and the principles of good governance

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{Source: IOL}

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