Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola have agreed to submit the 121 dockets linked to the political killings task team to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in the required format.
The agreement followed a meeting between the two leaders on Monday, after Masemola’s decision to return the dockets to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) sparked backlash and concerns from the government.
Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the meeting aimed to “clarify and affirm” their roles with Cachalia holding executive authority and Masemola operational authority.
Restoring Public Trust
According to Mogotsi, the two leaders committed to restoring public trust in SAPS and improving morale among members.
“A key outcome was that Minister Cachalia and General Masemola agreed to the necessity of maintaining a professional, collegial and respectful relationship,” she said.
She added that they agreed to prior consultation and regular reporting on major issues affecting the public and policy domains.
“This capacity must be strengthened across the country so that those who threaten our national security have nowhere to hide,” she said.
She confirmed SAPS will fully support the Madlanga Commission, led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and protect its integrity.
“The political killings task team dockets will be submitted to the Commission in the format it requires to ensure their integrity and allow thorough investigation,” Mogotsi added.
She said SAPS will act swiftly when the Commission refers new matters for investigation or when dockets require urgent prosecution.
Ramaphosa Intervenes in Political Killings Dockets Dispute
President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly expressed anger over Masemola’s unilateral decision to return the 121 dockets to KZN.
According to City Press, he questioned why officials had removed them from suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s office in the first place.
Ramaphosa contacted Cachalia to raise concerns about the timing of the move, especially with the Commission about to begin its work.
Magwenya added that Ramaphosa expects Cachalia and Masemola to maintain a professional relationship during this sensitive period.
Background on the Political Killings Dockets
Officials first removed the dockets from KZN and placed them under Sibiya’s office, then returned them to allow local investigators to resume work.
In July, provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in SAPS operations, including ordering the disbandment of the task team and removing the dockets.
Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu shielded individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes. Mchunu has denied the claims as “baseless.”
Can SAPS rebuild trust by handing political killing dockets to the Madlanga Commission after weeks of controversy?
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