President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly displeased with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola’s decision to return 121 political killings investigation dockets to KwaZulu-Natal.
The dockets, which are central to allegations of political interference raised by KZN Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, were initially removed from the province. Their return allows local investigators to resume work.
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In July, Mkhwanazi accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of meddling in SAPS operations. This included ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and removing the high-profile case dockets. He further alleged that Mchunu shielded individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes.
According to City Press, Ramaphosa demanded answers on why the dockets were first taken from the office of suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. He reportedly raised concerns with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, questioning the timing of Masemola’s decision given that a judicial commission of inquiry is set to probe the matter.
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Presidency: “This Is No Ordinary Administrative Matter”
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed Ramaphosa had spoken to Cachalia about the issue.
“This is no ordinary administrative matter. These dockets are now a subject of the commission’s investigation,” Magwenya said.
He added that the President expects SAPS leadership to fully cooperate with the inquiry and preserve its integrity. Ramaphosa also called on both Cachalia and Masemola to maintain a professional working relationship during this sensitive period.
On Friday, August 29, Cachalia responded publicly, revealing that he had earlier requested a full report on the Task Team from the National Commissioner, yet to be received.
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Political Fallout and Public Backlash
Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, emphasised that his appointment by Ramaphosa carried a mandate to restore trust in SAPS and safeguard the integrity of the police.
“The President announced the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry on July 13, 2025 to probe the allegations made by the Provincial Commissioner concerning the Task Team and other related matters,” Mogotsi said.
Cachalia himself acknowledged the urgency: “I recognise that the allegations surrounding the Political Killings Task Team are of immense public interest. Given the gravity of the matter, it is concerning that actions are being taken before the commission has had an opportunity to investigate.”
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