Ramaphosa Angered by Police Commissioner’s Return of Political Killings Dockets to KwaZulu-Natal
 President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly expressed anger over National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola’s decision to return 121 political killings investigation dockets to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The move has sparked controversy amid ongoing concerns about political interference in law enforcement.
The controversial dockets were previously removed from the office of suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and later returned to the KZN Political Killings Task Team, which was established to investigate politically motivated murders in the province. President Ramaphosa questioned why these dockets had been taken away and subsequently given back, especially while a judicial commission of inquiry is underway to investigate allegations of political meddling.
The Political Killings Task Team, which had been disbanded in 2023 amid claims of obstruction by KZN Police Minister Senzo Mchunu—currently on special leave—is credited with investigating over 600 cases, leading to nearly 300 arrests. However, concerns remain about the integrity of the investigations following allegations that political figures and police officials interfered with the probes.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia expressed unease about the return of the dockets, calling for a detailed explanation from General Masemola. He emphasized that full cooperation with the judicial commission and police leadership is vital to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
The controversy follows serious accusations of corruption and political interference at high levels within the South African Police Service (SAPS). President Ramaphosa has labeled these allegations a “grave national security concern,” underscoring the urgent need for transparent investigations to restore confidence in law enforcement.
The KwaZulu-Natal political killings issue has reignited national debate on the extent of political influence in policing and the challenges of combating politically motivated violence in South Africa.