National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has admitted that there is a shortfall with regard to the vetting process within the SAPS.

Masemola is giving evidence before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that he made in July of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.

Masemola says they have approached the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for assistance.

“In as far as much as we have internally done our own lifestyle audit, when I approached the SIU, I said, no, come and vet us so that we can be vetted by an independent body. Not that I undermine the internal, but it’s best to have it done externally. And we had various meetings, which will soon be about to start. We have cleared all the shortfalls or problems that were on the way.”

Masemola says not all police are influenced by criminal elements, although he acknowledged that there might be some rotten elements in the service.

Masemola says they’re doing their best to correct the wrongs.

“There are banks out there. We know there is money in their bank. It was there last night and still is. Now there will be no crimes happening. So now that tells you that there are now police that are doing their work. Not that there are no challenges, we do have challenges both internal and external. However, we are doing our best to correct the wrongs that are there so that we root out and address the off ramp from the principles. But of course, there is an external challenge for the society.”

[WATCH]
General Masemola says there are always plans being devised to remove national commissioners. This forms part of a broader revelation about internal sabotage, political interference, and attempts to manipulate leadership within SAPS. #adhocMkhwanazi #ParliamentAdhoc pic.twitter.com/hb1gyju56o

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 9, 2025