The Madlanga Inquiry has become one of South Africa’s most consequential commissions in recent years. It examines alleged political interference in policing, specifically within the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). On Day 4, the inquiry placed a spotlight on Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who faced sharp questioning about his role in executing a contentious directive from the then Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.
The Core of Day 4 Testimony
The inquiry’s chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, interrogated Masemola for nearly seven hours. The questioning focused on why the top police official obeyed what he admitted was an “unlawful” order to disband the PKTT. This task team had investigated politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal and had achieved notable success.
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Madlanga Challenges Masemola’s Justification
Justice Madlanga did not mince words. He asked:
“You have said on more than one occasion that any instruction to disband would be unlawful. Why did you fear an insubordination charge?”
This line of inquiry exposed contradictions in Masemola’s testimony. Earlier in the day, Masemola had insisted that unlawful orders should not be followed. However, when pushed, he conceded that he had partially complied with Mchunu’s directive.
Disbandment Without Consultation
Masemola confirmed that the directive from Mchunu to disband the PKTT came without consultation. He revealed that Mchunu neither held a briefing nor sought advice from top police leadership before issuing the order on 31 December 2024. Masemola had gone on leave just one day prior.
“I never really got a real reason as to why,” said Masemola.
Masemola’s Explanation: Fear and Pressure
According to Masemola, he initially resisted the directive but later believed he had no choice. He explained the risk of being charged with insubordination and the pressures of hierarchical politics within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“I preferred to keep asking the minister: ‘Why are you disbanding this team?’ But I had no other option.”
Judge Madlanga quipped:
“Perhaps you should have qualified your answer by saying: ‘I will not obey an unlawful instruction unless the minister breathes down my neck.’”
Madlanga Inquiry: A Deep Dive into Political Influence
The Madlanga Inquiry is examining systemic political interference in operational policing. The disbandment of the PKTT—an elite unit tackling political murders—has raised serious concerns about governance and the misuse of executive power.
Was the PKTT Ever Disbanded?
Interestingly, Masemola testified that the PKTT was never formally disbanded. He insisted he did not issue any closure letter. Instead, he claims to have proposed a phased wind-down to maintain investigative integrity.
“The task team was never disbanded,” he stressed.
This raises further questions about operational confusion and the blurred lines between executive directives and law enforcement protocol.
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The Role of Shadrack Sibiya and Alleged Links to Crime
The inquiry also touched on the controversial role of General Shadrack Sibiya, then deputy police commissioner. Masemola testified that Sibiya had ties to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged crime figure.
“A concerned party told me General Sibiya and Matlala were close. This worried me,” Masemola explained.
Sibiya had requested a closure report post-disbandment, despite not being involved in the task team’s operations. This raised eyebrows about the real motives behind the directive.
Failure of Oversight and Lack of Presidential Action
Masemola said he informed President Cyril Ramaphosa about the irregularity of Mchunu’s instruction. The president acknowledged the concern but took no apparent corrective action.
This has prompted widespread criticism. Political analysts and civil society groups argue that the president failed to uphold constitutional policing structures.
Expert Reactions and Public Commentary
Crime analyst Thabang Bogopa condemned Mchunu’s decision:
“If he cared about the country, he would not have disbanded the team the way he did.”
Meanwhile, violence monitor Mary de Haas, who previously called for the PKTT’s dissolution, expressed readiness to testify. She believes the task team was co-opted to protect politicians and engaged in questionable tactics.
“I am urging the Commission to speak directly to people whose stories I’ve reported on,” De Haas told the Daily Maverick.
Operational Impact on Political Killings Investigations
The PKTT had made significant strides in addressing political violence. Masemola described its success rate as “unprecedented,” with breakthroughs in previously stalled cases, including:
- Killings of traditional leaders
- Hits linked to the University of Fort Hare
- High-profile assassinations like that of DJ Sumbody
The sudden disbandment or proposed wind-down disrupted these investigations.
What Happens Next?
Masemola is expected to return to the stand on 23 September. Further testimony will delve into:
- Whether the PKTT’s shutdown was legal
- SAPS’s command culture
- Political links to organised crime
Advocate Terry Motau has indicated that Crime Intelligence testimony may be held in camera.
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Rule of Law vs Political Will
Day 4 of the Madlanga Inquiry placed Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola under intense scrutiny. It also highlighted broader issues of political interference in policing. The Commission has become a litmus test for transparency, accountability, and constitutional order.
As the inquiry unfolds, South Africans are watching closely. Justice Madlanga’s stern line of questioning suggests that excuses rooted in fear or hierarchy may no longer hold.
