Former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has publicly called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, citing a need for decisive leadership amid ongoing concerns about accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Ndlozi has further proposed that KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi be appointed as acting national commissioner during the period of suspension.
Ndlozi’s intervention comes amid a growing wave of scrutiny over Masemola’s handling of internal SAPS operations, including high-profile corruption investigations and management of senior personnel. The former parliamentarian emphasised that the current leadership at the helm of SAPS has been unable to restore public confidence and maintain cohesion across provincial structures, particularly in the wake of controversies that have drawn national attention.
According to Ndlozi, appointing Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, who has been commended for his operational discipline in KwaZulu-Natal, would stabilise leadership at the national level and signal a commitment to transparency and accountability. “It is imperative that the highest office of our police service reflects integrity, efficiency, and public trust. The president must act swiftly to ensure the institution’s credibility is preserved,” Ndlozi said in a statement.
The call for suspension aligns with ongoing debates among political analysts and civil society groups about the need for leadership renewal within SAPS, especially as the force faces increasing pressure to tackle corruption and internal misconduct. Critics of the current administration argue that without decisive intervention, public confidence in policing and law enforcement oversight could further erode.
While the Constitution empowers the president to place the national commissioner on suspension, the process requires careful adherence to legal protocols to ensure fairness and institutional continuity. Should Masemola be suspended, the appointment of an acting commissioner from within SAPS would be crucial to maintain operational stability and support ongoing investigations across provinces.
Ndlozi’s proposal has sparked immediate debate among political commentators, law enforcement experts, and opposition parties, with discussions centring on the implications for SAPS’ internal culture, accountability, and the broader fight against corruption. Analysts note that the president’s decision in this matter could set a precedent for managing senior-level disputes within critical state institutions, balancing legal oversight with operational necessity.
As the matter unfolds, attention now turns to President Ramaphosa and his response, which will determine the trajectory of SAPS leadership and its capacity to navigate a period marked by heightened public scrutiny and calls for reform.
