SAPS CIVIL WAR: Mkhwanazi to Expose ‘Political Masters’ in Final Friday Showdown with Masemola

In Pretoria, two of the country’s most senior police officials are expected to appear before a parliamentary inquiry this week as lawmakers intensify their investigation into allegations of political interference within the South African Police Service.

Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are scheduled to testify before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which was established to examine claims that political actors may have attempted to influence police investigations and prosecutorial processes.

The committee met virtually earlier this week to finalize the schedule of witnesses as it approaches the final stages of its work. According to Advocate Norman Arense, who is leading the evidence process, Masemola is expected to appear before the committee on Thursday. Lawmakers hope his testimony can be concluded within the morning session. Mkhwanazi, whose earlier allegations helped trigger the inquiry, is scheduled to deliver his final submissions on Friday during a full-day hearing.

Members of Parliament expect the testimonies of the two senior officers to provide crucial clarification on the operational independence of the police service, the chain of command within SAPS, and the extent to which external political pressure may have affected law enforcement decisions.

The inquiry follows several weeks of testimony from other witnesses who have presented evidence suggesting that certain political figures may have attempted to interfere in criminal investigations. While the exact details of Masemola and Mkhwanazi’s forthcoming statements remain unknown, their appearances are widely viewed as a pivotal moment in the investigation.

Observers say the committee’s findings could carry significant implications for policing oversight, institutional accountability, and public trust in the country’s criminal justice system. Once hearings conclude, the committee is expected to compile a comprehensive report before the end of March, outlining its findings and recommending any necessary policy reforms or disciplinary measures.