Masemola made the explosive revelation while appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday, where he was questioned on the growing allegations of criminal networks operating within SAPS.

Cartels Inside the System

Masemola told Members of Parliament that organised crime has penetrated critical areas of law enforcement including murder investigations and tender processes.

He said authorities are actively investigating individuals linked to these syndicates.

The statement confirms mounting fears that criminal networks are no longer operating outside the system but from within it.

Key Figures Under Investigation

The commissioner confirmed that controversial businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala and Katiso Molefe known as TK are among those being investigated.

He also revealed that three additional individuals form part of the alleged network but cannot yet be named due to ongoing investigations.

Task Team Revived

In response to the crisis SAPS has revived the Political Killings Task Team which had previously been disbanded.

Masemola confirmed that 17 members are already deployed and contributing to stabilising operations.

The move signals a significant shift within SAPS and highlights the seriousness of the threat facing the police service.

Leadership Under Pressure

Masemola’s leadership came under scrutiny during the committee session as MPs questioned his handling of internal challenges within SAPS.

This includes allegations involving senior officials such as suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

The allegations have further damaged public confidence in the police.

Masemola maintained that he remains committed to rebuilding SAPS before his term ends in 2027.

Mchunu Question Remains

The political pressure intensified when Masemola was asked whether suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is linked to cartel activity.

Masemola said it would be premature to make any conclusions as investigations are still ongoing.

Members of the committee including Mdumiseni Ntuli and Khusela Diko strongly defended Mchunu during the proceedings.

Lifestyle Allegations Addressed

Masemola also responded to claims about his personal wealth following allegations that he owns multiple properties across the country.

He denied any wrongdoing and stated that he lives within his means using his own resources.

All Eyes on Mkhwanazi

Attention now shifts to KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who is expected to testify next.

His appearance is expected to bring further revelations about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and alleged political interference in policing.

MDNtv Insight

This is no longer just a policing issue but a national crisis.

With allegations of cartel infiltration political interference and internal power struggles South Africa is facing a defining moment for law enforcement.

The key question now is whether SAPS can regain control or whether criminal networks have already embedded themselves too deeply within the system.

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The offences were committed in July 2023 at a tavern in the Inanda area in the North of Dbn in KZN.

NPA Regional Spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said that on the day of the incident, Ngubane was socialising at a tavern with friends while brandishing a firearm.

“He discharged the firearm outside the premises, injuring his hand in the process. He then re-entered the tavern seeking something to wipe the blood from his hand. At that moment, the deceased, Xolani Mkhize, entered the tavern.

“Ngubane removed Mkhize’s cap and attempted to wipe his own blood onto it, this led to an argument between the two men. Mkhize exited the tavern, but Ngubane, accompanied by a friend, followed him outside. Ngubane’s accomplice struck Mkhize on the head with a beer bottle, while Ngubane robbed him of his cellphone and fatally shot him. The two fled the scene,” she said.

Kara said Ngubane was arrested two months later in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

She said during the trial, Prosecutor Kaystree Ramsamujh led the testimonies of two eyewitnesses and presented CCTV footage capturing the incident.

“In aggravation of sentence, Ramsamujh submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Mkhize’s mother and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Princess Mlangeni.

“In the statement, she described the devastating impact of her son’s death on the family. Mkhize was employed and the family’s breadwinner. She further expressed the family’s pain at Ngubane’s lack of remorse.

“Ngubane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. The court ordered that he serve an effective sentence of life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” she said.

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Kganyago officially joined the NPA with effect from Monday, strengthening the authority’s communications leadership at a time when public accountability and transparency remain under sharp focus.

Head of Communications Bulelwa Makeke said Kganyago brings a wealth of experience in corporate communications strategy and stakeholder relations management.

“He joins the NPA as part of enhancing the organisation’s communications capacity, in particular as the NPA spokesperson. Kganyago’s previous experience includes his role as Head of Communications at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and SIU Chief Stakeholder Relations and Communications Officer.

“At both organisations, he held the role of spokesperson and led a successful communications and stakeholder relations strategy, contributing to the improvement of public trust in those organisations,” Makeke said.

Makeke further stated that as the NPA focuses on driving the implementation of its strategy and Annual Performance Plan, including the Quick Wins Action Plan, it has become critical to further enhance the institution’s ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in order to improve public confidence in its work and performance.

“Proactive communication has been identified as one of the NPA’s strategic focus areas, and Kganyago joining the organisation’s communication machinery will add value to the implementation of the communication strategy.

“The objective of this strategic focus is clear: to ensure that the NPA strategy, plans and achievements are communicated internally and externally in a manner that improves public understanding of NPA work and successful performance,” said Makeke.

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Masuku who was investigating the alleged killing of Emmanuel Mbese whose body was dumped in dam in Nigel, told the commission this case which involved SAPS officers, EMPD officers and civilians linked to private security companies made her and her family become targets.

Masuku described a series of threats that began during sensitive investigations involving law enforcement officials.

Masuku detailed that the threats were not abstract, they were specific, planned and communicated to her through intermediaries who warned her that arrangements were being made to harm her.

She mentioned three prominent incidents which she claims were meant to take her out.

The first incident where she would recieve desth threats direct, the second incident was the shooting of her son who was driving her around and when her vehicle was shot at while she was driving but she survived.

“At one point, I was informed that individuals were allegedly planning a hit. Someone who knew me contacted me privately, warning that although my name was not mentioned directly, the description matched mine. The department was notified, and investigators in my office were instructed to carry firearms due to the seriousness of the threat,” she said.

Masuku said the threats did not stop. She explained that investigators often receive threats but must still report for duty the next morning. In her case, the danger moved beyond intimidation.

“My son was shot and became wheelchairbound. Luckily he survived, but his life changed permanently. He was left wheelchair-bound for a period,” sje said.

Masuku told the commission he is now trying to walk again.

She became emotional while recounting that moment, thanking God that he did not lose his life.

“My son was targeted because he had taken it upon himself to drive and accompany me during the height of the threats. He would take me to work, to police stations and to court appearances, trying to protect me. He was unarmed, simply standing by his mother.

“I believe those targeting me realised that harming him would isolate me and cause me deep pain. Eliminating him may have been seen as a way to leave me vulnerable and alone. It did not stop her from doing her job,” she said.

Masuku told the commission that investigating law enforcement officers is not easy and that delays in cases often have explanations rooted in safety concerns.

“I had to face individuals in court whom I knew were allegedly planning to harm me. At one point, I confronted them directly, telling them I had heard about their plans and even gave them my home address. The IPID provided protection at our homes for a period, but it was stragetic protection. Me and my colleagues still had to move around the country conducting investigations without mobile security,” she said.

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Mmapeu Neo Hlanga was allegedly dossed with acid by Ivyone Maja who accused her of dating her partner in October 2024.

The incident left her with injuries that need to be operated at cost of an estimated to be R300 000.

After the court found the perpetrator guilty of attempted murder on December 1, 2025, the matter was postponed to February 9, 2026, for sentencing.

The court’s decision was based on a disturbing sequence of events that revealed the premeditated nature of the crime.

The acid attack, which left Mmapeu with severe injuries and a long road to recovery, was captured on video footage.

The footage showed the accused displaying extreme anger and a refusal to accept the termination of her relationship, threatening to publish intimate images of Mmapeu, and boasting about having caused her to lose her job.

The video evidence clearly indicated premeditation and intent to harm.

The sentencing will take place atMokopane Magistrate’s Court today.

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Former President Zuma submitted his application on 15 December 2025, followed days later by former President Mbeki and four former Cabinet ministers. The Commission heard arguments on both applications on 16 January 2026.

The applications are strongly opposed by the Calata Group, which represents 25 families and survivors of people who were forcibly disappeared or murdered during the struggle against apartheid. The evidence leaders appointed to the Commission have also rejected the recusal bids, arguing that they lack merit.

The Commission itself was established in May 2025 to investigate whether attempts were made to obstruct investigations or prosecutions linked to Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Although it was originally expected to complete its work within six months, delays and logistical challenges led to an extension of its mandate until July 2026.

The timing of the recusal applications has raised concern. They were filed only during the extended period, not during the Commission’s initial months of operation. If successful, the applications would effectively halt the Commission’s work until a new chairperson is appointed, making it highly unlikely that the inquiry could finish its mandate within the remaining time.

Former President Zuma’s application is sharply worded and includes accusations and statements the Commission has described as inappropriate and unsupported by evidence. He argues that the chairperson should step aside due to both actual bias and a reasonable apprehension of bias.

Former President Mbeki’s application, while more measured in tone, also claims that there is a reasonable perception of bias and questions the chairperson’s continued role.

Both former Presidents rely on similar arguments, pointing to the chairperson’s past roles within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority. Because of this overlap, the Commission has elected to consider the applications together and issue a single ruling.

As the Commission works against the clock, the outcome of these applications could determine whether it completes its task or faces further delays in addressing one of the most sensitive legacies of South Africa’s past.

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The witness remains under intense questioning as prosecutors probe inconsistencies and challenge his version of events related to the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain.

Proceedings continue on 21 January 2026.

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SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL | STATE CONTINUES CROSS-EXAMINATION OF GWABINI | 22 JANUARY 2026

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The witness remains under intense questioning as prosecutors probe inconsistencies and challenge his version of events related to the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain.

Proceedings continue on 21 January 2026.

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SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL | STATE CONTINUES CROSS-EXAMINATION OF GWABINI | 21 JANUARY 2026

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Real name Warrick Stock, Dj Warras was gunned down outside the Zambesi House building in Johannesburg’s CBD.

At the time of the incident, he had been contracted to enforce security at the premises.

Initially, three people were suspected to have been involved in the incident, including one individual with dreadlocks.

44-year-old Victor Majola will be appearing in Johannesburg Magistrate’sCourt today to continue with his bail application.

ActionSA Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Themba Mabunda saif that ActionSA notes the continuation of legal proceedings in the murder case of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, with the bail process set to resume this morning.

“The party remains unwavering in its opposition to the granting of bail, given the extreme seriousness of the crime, the broader context within which it occurred, and the unresolved concerns around accountability, the investigation, and public safety.

The brutal murder of DJ Warras cannot be treated as an ordinary criminal matter. In honesty, it was a violent and deeply disturbing act that has shaken the community and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement interventions prior to the loss of life. In cases of this magnitude, the justice system must act with caution and resolve to ensure that decisions taken do not undermine public confidence or place further lives at risk,” he said.

Mabunda further said ActionSA is deeply concerned that, despite the scale and brutality of this murder, only one suspect has been arrested to date.

“The circumstances surrounding DJ Warras’ death display clear indicators of planning, escalation, and sustained threats. Under such conditions, it is reasonable to expect a comprehensive investigation that accounts for all potential role players and failures. The limited progress thus far raises legitimate concerns about whether the full scope of criminal responsibility is being adequately pursued,” he said.

Mabunda further said that of further concern is the fact that more than five protection order warrants were reportedly applied for prior to this murder.

“These applications constituted repeated warnings and clear indications of imminent danger. Yet, despite these red flags, decisive intervention by the South African Police Service did not materialise. This represents a serious failure in the systems meant to protect victims and prevent foreseeable violence. These omissions must be interrogated, and accountability must follow.

Granting bail under these circumstances would send a dangerous message. It would suggest that even where multiple warning signs are present and institutional failures have already had fatal consequences, the justice system is prepared to proceed as though the matter carries no exceptional risk,” he said.

Mabunda said: “This case must also be understood within the broader context of organised criminality and lawlessness, particularly in the inner city, where hijacked and unlawfully occupied buildings have become hubs for criminal syndicates, violence, drug trafficking, and extortion. These conditions persist largely due to weak enforcement and political inaction.”

ActionSA President Herman Mashaba is known to be consistently taken a firm stance against hijacked buildings and the criminal networks that operate within them.

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The accused officer allegedly raped a 31 year old complainant he was assisting in resolving her domestic dispute with her partner.

It is alleged that the accused Constable, who was attending to a complaint between two lovers at the Phokeng Police Station, released the boyfriend to go home and fetch his passport and kept the girlfriend behind. The boyfriend was requested to bring his passport to the police station as they (couple) are both foreign nationals.

The 31-year-old victim further alleged that the accused Constable took her to an office within the police station premises, where he raped her. The incident happened on 2 December 2025.

IPID took over the case on 11 December 2025, and the accused officer was positively identified by the victim during an identity parade.

The case has been remanded to 26 February 2026 for further investigation.

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