SAPS IN CRISIS: Factions shred police as Commissioner Masemola faces criminal charges tied to ‘Cat’ Matlala

National NewsMarch 31, 2026

SAPS under intense pressure, scrutiny, says Masemola and this could

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National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is under intense pressure and scrutiny.This, as recent developments at the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee have exposed serious allegations of corruption within the SAPS.

Masemola admitted that officers are feeling the pressure, saying some criticism is fair, some harsh, but all significant.

He was speaking in Bloemfontein on Monday, where he announced Major General Thabang Lesia as the Free State’s new police commissioner.

Masemola said leaders like Lesia, who brings 39 years of experience, will help rebuild public trust in the SAPS.

He joined as a student constable in 1986 and rose to deputy provincial commissioner in 2019.

Lesia’s appointment follows the reappointment of KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is widely credited with strengthening the fight against crime.

Masemola has instructed officers to act with integrity as policing efforts intensify, but admitted that rebuilding public trust will be difficult.He is now also facing a legal challenge linked to a controversial SAPS tender awarded to Medicare24, the company of alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Meanwhile, Lesia has been promoted to Lieutenant General and will take up his new post on Wednesday.