Madlanga Commission Hearings: Police Commissioner Masemola’s Explosive Testimony

Background to the Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was launched by the South African government to probe alleged misconduct, systemic failures and possible corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Its mandate covers everything from political killings to suspected bribery in the courts. Over the past months, the commission has called a string of senior officials to testify, with National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola being one of the most high‑profile witnesses.

Masemola, who took office in early 2024, has been under intense scrutiny following a series of high‑profile cases that raised questions about the independence of police investigations. His appearance before the commission on September 22‑23, 2025, was billed as a chance for the nation to finally get a clear picture of what has been happening behind closed doors.

Key revelations from Commissioner Masemola

During the two‑day session, Masemola addressed a wide array of topics, many of which shook both the police establishment and the public. Below are the most striking points from his testimony:

• Allegations of judicial bribery: Masemola claimed that he had become aware of a network that routinely offered cash and favours to judges to influence case outcomes. He named several senior magistrates and hinted at a pattern that could reach into the Constitutional Court.
• Disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT): He explained that the decision to dissolve the PKTT was based on operational assessments, not political pressure. According to him, the team’s success was largely due to the leadership of General Duisani Kumalo, whose strategic direction helped resolve several cold cases.
• No political killings since 1994: Masemola asserted that, to his knowledge, there have been no politically motivated murders since the end of apartheid. Critics, however, pointed out that unresolved cases from the past decade suggest otherwise.
• Influence over docket transfers: The commissioner detailed a “network” that allegedly pushed for the relocation of certain legal dockets from Natal to other provinces. He named Deputy National Police Commissioner Sehlahle Cenga and a close associate of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane as key players in this manoeuvre.
• Ministerial involvement: Masemola recounted a meeting with Police Minister Bheki Mthembu on March 6, 2025, where the minister expressed particular interest in the murder of the ANC Youth League treasurer and the Sindiso Magaqa case. The commissioner suggested that the minister’s focus may have extended to other high‑profile investigations, raising concerns about political interference.
• Parliamentary briefing contradictions: In a virtual session before the Portfolio Committee on Police on March 5, 2025, Masemola faced probing questions about alleged ties between the minister and a figure known as Brown Makozi. While the minister denied any connection, Lieutenant General Mkonazi’s testimony implied otherwise, leading to a heated exchange.

Throughout his testimony, Masemola emphasized that the authority to create or dissolve task teams lies solely with the National Commissioner and provincial commissioners, not with external political actors. He framed his role as a guardian of public confidence, insisting that SAPS must operate transparently and without undue influence.

The commission, however, flagged several inconsistencies in Masemola’s statements. For instance, his claim of zero political killings since 1994 conflicted with documented cases from the early 2000s that remain unsolved. Additionally, his description of the docket‑transfer network seemed at odds with earlier internal memos that suggested logistical rather than political motives.

These contradictions have added a new layer of complexity to the inquiry, prompting the commission’s chair to order further evidence gathering and cross‑examination of other officials mentioned in Masemola’s account.

As the Madlanga Commission continues its work, the nation watches closely. The outcome could reshape public trust in law enforcement, dictate future oversight mechanisms, and potentially expose a web of corruption that stretches from the police ranks to the highest echelons of the judiciary.