Why Masemola’s Political Killings Decision is Splitting Police and Politicians

The debate over how to deal with political killings in South Africa has reignited tensions between police leadership and government ministers. At the centre is National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who decided to return 121 political killings dockets to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Political Killings Task Team.

Masemola’s Move and the Backlash

Masemola’s decision was met with sharp criticism from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. He accused the commissioner of reviving the investigations without consulting him, saying such sensitive cases should not be handled outside political oversight.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly shared the minister’s concerns. He questioned the timing of the decision, especially with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry preparing to examine these same cases. The President also wanted clarity on why the dockets were previously removed from suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s office.

From Moerane to Madlanga: A Long History of Commissions

The KZN Political Killings Task Team was originally set up in 2019 by then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, following the Moerane Commission’s findings into the province’s deadly political violence. It was later disbanded, leaving many families without answers.

The Madlanga Commission, which has faced delays, is now expected to carry forward these investigations. Both Masemola and Cachalia agreed this week that the 121 dockets will be properly submitted to the Commission, with urgent cases handled immediately.

Police vs Politicians

The row highlights a deeper issue: who holds authority over political killings investigations.

• Cachalia insists he has executive authority as minister, giving him the final word on how these sensitive dockets are handled.

• Masemola argues his operational authority allows him to act quickly, especially when justice risks being delayed.

Critics have accused Cachalia of interference, while his office maintains he is acting within his mandate.

Civil Society Response

The Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice has publicly backed Masemola. CEO Mphumzi Mdekazi said the commissioner was right to act without delay:

“Political battles should never deter police work. Whoever obstructs the police from arresting those responsible for heinous crimes is a criminal themselves.”

Mdekazi argued the Commission is not a court of law and that evidence still needs to be tested through arrests and prosecutions.

What’s at Stake

Political killings have long haunted KwaZulu-Natal, often linked to intra-party rivalries, tender disputes, and local power struggles. For communities living under threat, the battle between police and politicians looks like another delay in securing justice.

Ramaphosa has urged cooperation, warning that the Madlanga Commission must be shielded from interference. Masemola, meanwhile, has already announced plans for a similar specialised unit in Gauteng, signalling he is not backing down.

{Source: IOL}

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