New testimony at the Madlanga Commission has painted a picture of deep-seated factionalism and alleged collusion at the highest levels of the South African Police Service (SAPS), with accusations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu actively undermined the National Police Commissioner.
The revelations, described as “explosive” during a news analysis segment, include allegations that Minister Mchunu was “very eager” to see the disbandment of a specialized political task team and allowed a parallel reporting structure that bypassed the commissioner.
According to testimony cited by safety and security expert Professor Jacob Mofokeng, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola detailed how his authority was systematically undermined. General Masemola alleged that Minister Mchunu permitted General Sabia, the head of Crime Intelligence, to report directly to him, effectively sidelining the commissioner.
“This… indicate(s) that there has been… a really collusion within the high ranking of the South African police service,” Professor Mofokeng stated, analyzing the testimony. He described a “bleak picture” where those trusted with law enforcement put personal interests ahead of the country’s.
A particularly serious allegation presented to the commission involves the attempted manipulation of the judiciary. Professor Mofokeng referenced testimony that investigators on a case were informed that “three envelopes… were prepared,” with one intended for the investigators, one for a magistrate, and one for a prosecutor. This, the professor said, points to a “deeper culture of fraud” and supports concerns that the judiciary has been “captured and corrupted.”
The commission also heard that General Masemola confided in the President about his concerns regarding the disbandment of the task team. This has raised significant questions about the President’s awareness and response to the internal crisis.
“We then look forward… for the president… to be able to provide clarity,” said Professor Mofokeng, who questioned whether the President was properly advised. “It could not be that the president was not aware,” he added, noting that the police commissioner had directly sought his attention.
Professor Mofokeng issued a stark warning regarding the potential outcome of the commission. He suggested that if the President fails to act on its recommendations, the country risks approaching a “mafia state” where high-ranking officials collude with criminal networks.
“The president has to redeem himself because of what happened with the previous commissions,” Mofokeng said, alluding to perceived inaction following past inquiries. “History… will judge him harshly… by inaction.”
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony as it investigates allegations of misconduct and corruption within the security services.