SAPS in Crisis: Masemola responds to Mkhwanazi bombshell, appeals for stability

National commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, on Wednesday said he is awaiting to be called in by President Cyril Ramaphosa to give his account amid the ongoing ruckus tearing into the heart of law enforcement in South Africa.

At a press briefing that was communicated to journalist one minute before it began, Masemola addressed journalists virtually from a facility in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, where he said the current state of affairs is unprecedented.

"Let me unequivocally say the current state of affairs is unprecedented and it is concerning, unfortunately, and requires uncompromising intervention to restore stability in the organisation. We acknowledge fully the commitment made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he would attend to this matter as soon as he arrives in the country," he said.

"We are ready to brief the president and as such the national commissioner could not have done anything now. We await that we will engage the president as and when he calls us."

During a marathon press conference on Sunday, Mkhwanazi, declared he was combat-ready and that he was willing to die for the people of South Africa. 

The provincial commissioner accused the police ministry of interference in police operations and detailed how the minister and his associate, Brian Mogotsi, had been entangled with a SAPS service provider, Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala, who had been awarded a R360 million tender with the law enforcement agency in 2024.

In May 2025, Masemola repealed the contract, citing that Matlala's company should never have made it past the first round during the bidding process. 

Mkhwanazi said the recent arrest of Matlala - on attempted murder charges - led police to uncovering - through cellphone analysis - a web of alleged corruption involving the service provider, Mogotsi and the minister.

[email protected]

IOL News