CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, sharply criticizing the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and ANC MP Khusela Diko’s defense regarding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The controversy stems from Diko’s submission to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where she argued that Masemola failed in his duty to resist unlawful political interference. This included directives affecting the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and appointments within Crime Intelligence.
Rejecting accusations that she is shielding Mchunu at Masemola’s expense, Diko stated that the activist and citizens forum “could not be more wrong in their assessment.” She emphasized that the situation is not a binary issue, noting, “Two things can be true at the same time. Minister Mchunu was wrong, but we’re bringing a broader institutional question.” She clarified that while no direct recommendations were made against Masemola, the committee found he should have acted differently when given an unlawful instruction as an accounting officer.
In strong reaction to these developments, SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi dismissed the parliamentary hearings as a “waste of money” and a “publicity stunt.” Vavi argued that the committee members are compromised, pointing to testimonies from the ongoing Madlanga Commission.
“We don’t take seriously what comrade Khusela Diko is saying or any of the members of that committee,” Vavi said, adding that SAFTU is waiting for the “real deal” from the Madlanga Commission, with recommendations expected to be released to the president towards the end of next year.
Vavi further criticized the MPs for betraying their mandate by ignoring earlier warnings. He noted that the committee did nothing when General Muanazi initially rang the alarm bells in a press conference, only rushing to form the committee once the matter became a huge public discussion.
Addressing Masemola’s suspension, Vavi explained that SAFTU initially supported the precautionary step-aside until allegations were settled. Masemola was suspended over claims of undermining his authority regarding the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and was controversially associated with “Mr. Matala,” described in the proceedings as an underworld kingpin.
However, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) now withdrawing the charges and the court declaring him free to go, SAFTU insists the original reasons for suspension no longer apply. Vavi highlighted that the head of the NPA suggested “shenanigans” drove the previous authority to charge and embarrass Masemola, prompting a separate investigation into the alleged abuse of power.
Concluding his remarks, Vavi highlighted the financial absurdity of the situation. Referencing a presentation by Commissioner Professor Figini, he pointed out that the state spends billions paying salaries to suspended officials, sometimes for up to seven years.
“It doesn’t make sense… to just keep paying somebody on suspension when the reason why you suspended him in the first place are no longer applicable,” Vavi stated.
He underscored the urgent need for Masemola’s return to combat the country’s severe crime levels, citing a daily murder rate of 60 bodies. He pointed to recent incidents, such as the recovery of nine dumped bodies, noting that the country sometimes confuses its staggering murder rate with serial killings.
