Police Commissioner Masemola will testify before the Madlanga Inquiry in Pretoria today, 22 September 2025. His appearance comes after weeks of mounting pressure following explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The inquiry has become a defining test for accountability within South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
The Madlanga Inquiry, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established through Presidential Proclamation 269 of 2025. It is tasked with investigating allegations of political interference, criminality, and corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Read more in our report: Mkhwanazi Accuses MPs of Interfering in SAPS Affairs.
Police Commissioner Masemola’s Testimony Confirmed
On Sunday, the Commission officially confirmed that Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola would take the stand today.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels stated:
“We can confirm that the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, will testify before the Commission of Inquiry on Monday, September 22, 2025. The public will be able to follow the hearing via livestream on the Commission’s website as well as various other radio, television, news and social media platforms.”
The hearings are being held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, where the public may attend under strict security protocols.
Allegations That Sparked the Inquiry
The Madlanga Inquiry began its hearings on 17 September 2025 with testimony from Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi. He questioned the motives behind the disbandment of the elite Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkhwanazi accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of being “fully involved in the syndicate” behind political killings. He further alleged that Mchunu sabotaged efforts to stop political violence in the province.
According to legal analyst Elton Hart, Masemola’s questioning will likely focus on:
- Who authorised the removal of political killings dockets from KZN
- The reasons for disbanding the PKTT
- Whether political interference was sanctioned at the national level
Government’s Position on the Inquiry
The Department of Justice insists the Madlanga Inquiry is part of a broader effort to restore trust in state institutions.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi explained:
“This inquiry reflects efforts to clean up the rot where it exists and strengthen our institutions, especially law-enforcement institutions, and the entirety of the architecture of state governance and capacity.”
Her statement highlights the government’s intent to use the commission as a tool for reform and credibility-building.
Full story here: KZN Police Chief Mkhwanazi Sues Paul O’Sullivan for Defamation.
Transparency and Public Access
In contrast to many closed-door investigations of the past, the Madlanga Inquiry is deliberately transparent. Proceedings are livestreamed, covered by major broadcasters, and open to the public.
Michaels reminded attendees to bring valid identification, stressing that no weapons are permitted inside the venue.
This accessibility underscores the importance of public trust in both the process and its eventual findings.
What to Expect from Masemola’s Evidence
Masemola is expected to address critical questions about leadership decisions in SAPS, especially concerning political killings. He will likely be pressed on whether he authorised or supported the disbandment of the PKTT, and if any national directives influenced the controversial moves in KwaZulu-Natal.
Given the statutory powers of the commission under the Commission’s Act, Masemola may also be compelled to produce documentary evidence. This means his testimony is not just symbolic but could shape future disciplinary or even criminal proceedings.
Broader Implications for SAPS
The appearance of the country’s highest-ranking police official signals the seriousness of this inquiry. If Masemola confirms political interference, the credibility of SAPS leadership will be severely undermined. Conversely, if he disputes the claims, the Commission will need to weigh his testimony against Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations.
The outcome of these hearings will affect public confidence in SAPS and the government’s broader institutional reform agenda.
See details: EFF Gauteng Takes Legal Action Against Operation Dudula Over Baby’s Death.
The spotlight today is firmly on Police Commissioner Masemola at the Madlanga Inquiry. His testimony represents a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fight against corruption and political interference in policing.
For the public, the inquiry is not only about accountability for past decisions but also about whether the country’s justice system can truly deliver transparency and reform.
