Cartels Dictate Police Chiefs’ Fate, Says Masemola in Explosive Parliament Testimony
Cape Town – National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola dropped a bombshell on Thursday, telling Parliament’s ad hoc committee that criminal cartels, not just the president, decide how long top cops stay in their jobs. Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022, Masemola painted a grim picture of shadowy forces working non-stop to topple leaders in the South African Police Service (SAPS). 0 This revelation comes as probes into police corruption and infiltration heat up, with fingers pointing at powerful syndicates pulling strings behind the scenes.
The ad hoc committee, set up to dig into claims by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police boss Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, heard Masemola lay bare the threats facing SAPS leadership. Mkhwanazi, who also testified, warned of rogue players sneaking into the force. As South Africans grapple with rising crime, these hearings expose how cartels might be calling the shots in policing. 0 “Graphic presented by Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo showing the structure of the Big Five cartel, including Katiso Molefe and Vusimuzi Matlala”
Masemola’s Stark Warning on Cartel Influence
In his testimony, Masemola did not hold back on how cartels meddle in police affairs. He said these groups huddle in corners, plot schemes, and build fake cases to oust commissioners. “There will be criminal cartels that will go into a little corner, connive, and come up with a case so that you can be removed,” he told the committee. 21 From the day a commissioner starts, enemies work around the clock to bring them down. “Actually, from day one, when you get appointed, there are those who work day and night to see how they can remove you,” Masemola added.
Despite his appointment by Ramaphosa on 31 March 2022 – taking over from General Khehla Sitole – Masemola hinted that his time in office hangs on more than official say-so. He wants to see out his term, but stressed it is shaped by “other key stakeholders,” who turn out to be crooks. This ties into wider fears that syndicates have their claws deep in SAPS decisions, from hires to probes. 0
Masemola also touched on the tough world of modern policing. “Policing of today can never be described as the policing of 30 years ago. It’s quite challenging and requires new ways,” he said. 21 With crime evolving fast, old methods will not cut it anymore. He called for fresh ideas to tackle these hurdles, amid claims that cartels exploit weak spots in the system.
The Big Five Cartel: Khumalo’s Chilling Graphic
A key piece in this puzzle is the “Big Five” cartel, highlighted in a graphic shown by Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo during his testimony at the separate Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last month. 10 Khumalo, head of crime intelligence, used the diagram to outline the group’s structure but held back full names due to active cases. It names Katiso “KT” Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as core members, involved in drugs, hijackings, kidnappings, extortion, tender scams and contract killings. 11
The graphic shows a hierarchy topped by a director with a tight grip, branching into specialised arms for cross-border vehicle thefts, drugs and hits. Molefe handles drugs, tender fraud and killings, while Matlala oversees drugs, kidnappings, extortion and more killings. 13 Khumalo explained that the cartel recruits experts for niche crimes, forming small teams of two to 12 people. They weave into politics, police and private security, using cash to buy influence and leak info. 14
This syndicate allegedly runs ops across the country, linking to politicians and even contract murders. Khumalo’s revelations tie into Masemola’s claims, showing how such groups aim to control SAPS from the inside.
Mkhwanazi’s Alarms on Rogue Infiltration
KZN’s Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose July 2025 media briefing sparked the ad hoc probe, echoed these worries. He flagged rogue elements using every trick to worm into SAPS ranks. 21 His earlier claims about political meddling in the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) disbandment led to this committee, which wrapped his evidence on 9 October after intense questioning.
Mkhwanazi detailed how the PKTT’s sudden shutdown in December 2024 seemed like sabotage to shield crooks like Matlala. He shared WhatsApp chats and payment proofs linking Matlala to ANC figures, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s associate Brown Mogotsi. 23 These ties suggest cartels fund politics to dodge justice.
The committee, chaired by Molapi Soviet Lekganyane, has heard from Mkhwanazi over four days, covering interference, corruption in crime intelligence and ministerial overreach. 23 MPs like Julius Malema grilled him hard, and public inputs are open until 17 October.
Broader Probes and the Madlanga Commission Link
Masemola’s words align with the Madlanga Commission’s focus on criminality, political interference and corruption in the justice system. 11 Khumalo’s September testimony there first exposed the Big Five’s web, including how they recruit from police and politics. He warned of syndicates leaking sensitive docs and running misinformation to protect their ops.
The commission, led by retired Justice Raymond Madlanga, has summoned Mogotsi and others. Whistleblowers tipped off Masemola about ties between suspended Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and Matlala, leading to raids and arrests. 13 Sibiya faces charges for meddling in PKTT probes, with claims he pushed to disband the team after Matlala’s bust.
These parallel inquiries highlight systemic rot: graft in intelligence, political sabotage and cartel infiltration breaching power separations. 29 The PKTT, extended to February 2026, scored 209 convictions in 612 cases, but interference stalled justice for political murder victims.
Calls for Reform Amid Growing Concerns
As hearings roll on – with Masemola’s session part of day three – South Africans demand fixes. Masemola called for clear ministerial boundaries to curb overreach. 21 Mchunu denies “wild” allegations, but testimony implicates him in suppressing probes.
This scandal underscores urgent needs: stronger oversight, whistleblower shields and harsh penalties for infiltrators. With cartels allegedly deciding police fates, trust in SAPS hangs by a thread. The ad hoc committee’s final report could spark big changes, but for now, the fight against hidden powers continues.
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