Cachalia, Masemola agree to submit 121 police dockets to Madlanga Commission

Following a meeting between Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, it was agreed that the 121 dockets linked to the political killings task team would be submitted to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The meeting took place on Monday after Masemola announced the dockets would be returned to the KZN detectives, a decision that drew criticism and sparked concerns at the highest level of government including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to reports.

Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the purpose of the meeting was to “clarify and affirm” the respective roles of Cachalia, who holds executive authority, and Masemola, who holds operational authority. 

According to her, their shared objective is to restore public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and improve morale among its members.

“A key outcome was that Minister Cachalia and General Masemola agreed to the necessity of maintaining a professional, collegial and respectful relationship,” Mogotsi said.

“Importantly, they agreed that there must be prior consultation and regular reporting on important matters in the public and policy domains,” she added.

Mogotsi said the two leaders also recognised the urgent need to strengthen SAPS’s capacity to investigate the killings of councillors, public officials, whistle-blowers and professionals, such as auditors, who play key roles in combating corruption and organised crime.

“This capacity must be strengthened across the country where needed so that those who threaten our national security have nowhere to hide.”

She confirmed that the SAPS will fully support the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Interference in the Criminal Justice System led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

“The political killings task team dockets will be submitted to the Commission in the format it requires to ensure the integrity of the dockets and enable the Commission to thoroughly investigate all matters within its terms of reference,” Mogotsi said.

She said where the dockets require urgent further investigation or prosecution, SAPS will advise the Commission accordingly, and will act swiftly when new matters are referred for investigation.

“Minister Cachalia and General Masemola remain committed to building a South African Police Service that is trusted and responsive to the needs of all South Africans,” Mogotsi added.

Earlier this week it was reported that Ramaphosa was angered by Masemola’s decision to return the 121 dockets to KZN as the cases are central to allegations of political interference in SAPS operations made by KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The dockets were originally removed from the province and placed under the office of suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, before being returned to allow local investigators to resume their work.

In July, Mkhwanazi accused the now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations, including ordering the disbandment of the high-profile political killings task team and the removal of the dockets.

He also alleged that Mchunu protected individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes - claims Mchunu has denied as “baseless.”

According to City Press, Ramaphosa questioned why the dockets were removed from Sibiya’s office in the first place. 

He reportedly contacted Cachalia to express concern over the timing of Masemola’s move, especially with the commission of inquiry set to begin.

On August 29, Cachalia responded publicly to Masemola’s announcement, stating he had previously requested a detailed report on the task team from the top cop - a report he had not yet received.

He reiterated his demand for Masemola to submit the report without further delay.

Cachalia’s remarks led to a backlash from some political figures and members of the public, who accused him of political interference similar to the claims levelled against Mchunu.

Cape Times