ANC Slams Suspended Top Cop Masemola for Yielding to Unlawful Crime Intelligence Directive
The African National Congress (ANC) has launched a blistering critique against suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, accusing him of failing to uphold his constitutional duties by complying with an unlawful political directive.
The ruling party’s submission was tabled during a late-night session of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption.
The ANC wants its findings to be formally incorporated into the committee’s upcoming draft report.
According to the ANC, Masemola violated his constitutional responsibilities as the accounting officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) when he agreed to implement a moratorium on Crime Intelligence appointments.
The directive to halt the crucial security appointments was issued by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave.
The ANC argued that because the Minister’s interference in operational police appointments was inherently unlawful, Masemola had a legal obligation to reject it.
“Masemola should have stood up to Mchunu when he issued his directive as the accounting officer because it was unlawful,” the ANC noted in its submission. “He should have resisted the directive to place a moratorium on crime intelligence appointments.”
This operational clash highlights deep-seated tensions between top SAPS management and political leadership. It unfolds during an incredibly turbulent week for police top brass.
Just days ago, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) formally withdrew separate criminal Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) charges against Masemola regarding a controversial multi-million rand wellness tender due to a lack of evidence.
Despite the withdrawal of those criminal charges, Masemola remains under intense parliamentary scrutiny regarding his oversight capabilities and compliance with the law.
With the Ad Hoc Committee’s report deliberations ongoing, the ANC’s latest submission ensures that the suspended National Commissioner continues to face fierce political pressure over his leadership.
