The Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, met with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and agreed that the 121 dockets linked to the political killings task team would be submitted to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in the format it requires.

The meeting, which occurred on Monday, September 1, followed public tensions after Masemola announced the return of the dockets to KwaZulu-Natal – an issue that has drawn criticism and sparked concerns at the highest level of government.

Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the purpose of the meeting was to “clarify and affirm” the respective roles of Cachalia, who holds executive authority, and Masemola, who holds operational authority. 

According to her, thier shared objective, is to restore public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and improve morale among its members.

“A key outcome was that Minister Cachalia and General Masemola agreed to the necessity of maintaining a professional, collegial and respectful relationship,” Mogotsi said.

“Importantly, they agreed that there must be prior consultation and regular reporting on important matters in the public and policy domains,” she added.

Mogotsi said the two leaders also recognised the urgent need to strengthen SAPS’s capacity to investigate the killings of councillors, public officials, whistle-blowers and professionals, such as auditors, who play key roles in combating corruption and organised crime.

“This capacity must be strengthened across the country where needed so that those who threaten our national security have nowhere to hide.”

She confirmed that the SAPS will fully support the work of the Madlanga Commission (Led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga) of Inquiry into Allegations of Interference in the Criminal Justice System and uphold its integrity.

“The political killings task team dockets will be submitted to the Commission in the format it requires to ensure the integrity of the dockets and enable the Commission to thoroughly investigate all matters within its terms of reference,” Mogotsi said.

She said where the dockets require urgent further investigation or prosecution, SAPS will advise the Commission accordingly, and will act swiftly when new matters are referred for investigation.

“Minister Cachalia and General Masemola remain committed to building a South African Police Service that is trusted and responsive to the needs of all South Africans,” Mogotsi added.

On Saturday, IOL News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa was reportedly angered by Masemola’s unilateral decision to return the 121 dockets to KZN, which are central to allegations of political interference in SAPS operations made by provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The dockets were originally removed from the province and placed under the office of suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, before being returned to allow local investigators to resume their work.

In July, Mkhwanazi accused the now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations, including ordering the disbandment of the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and the removal of the dockets. 

He also alleged that Mchunu protected individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes – claims Mchunu has denied as “baseless.”

According to “City Press”, Ramaphosa questioned why the dockets were removed from Sibiya’s office in the first place. 

He reportedly contacted Cachalia to express concern over the timing of Masemola’s move, especially with the commission of inquiry set to begin.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that President Ramaphosa had spoken to Cachalia about the matter.

“This is no ordinary administrative matter. These dockets are now a subject of the Commission’s investigation,” Magwenya told the publication.

“The President expects the leadership of SAPS to cooperate fully with the Minister and the Commission to protect the integrity of its work.”

Magwenya added that Ramaphosa expects both Cachalia and Masemola to maintain a professional and collegial working relationship during this sensitive period.

On 29 August, Cachalia responded publicly to Masemola’s announcement, stating he had previously requested a detailed report on the task team from the top cop- a report he has not yet received.

He reiterated his demand for Masemola to submit the report without further delay.

Cachalia’s remarks led to a backlash from some political figures and members of the public, who accused him of political interference similar to the claims levelled against Mchunu.

However, Mogotsi defended the Minister’s actions, saying his concerns fall within his constitutional and legal responsibilities as the political head of the department.

“The Minister of Police has no intention of suspending or obstructing SAPS investigations. His concern is that the dockets were returned without a clear plan and prior to the Commission’s investigation,” she said.

She added that Masemola had earlier informed the Minister about a planned phased dissolution of the task team and that Cachalia had requested a clear national strategy to manage politically sensitive investigations – including plans to bolster similar efforts in Gauteng.

Meanwhile, Masemola has since announced plans to establish a similar specialised unit in Gauteng.

IOL Politics

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