ZintleStar
474 posts


MEDIA STATEMENT
23 APRIL 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAFTU WELCOMES THE SUSPENSION OF NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER GENERAL FANIE MASEMOLA
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) notes and welcomes the suspension of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola. This development was, under the circumstances, unavoidable.
It is deeply troubling that the head of the country’s police service has now appeared in court and is expected to appear again alongside an individual alleged to be linked to the so-called “Big Five” criminal syndicates. Regardless of the legal presumption of innocence, the mere fact of such proceedings irreparably undermines the integrity, credibility, and authority of the office he occupies.
The leadership of the police must be beyond reproach. South Africans cannot be expected to place their safety, dignity, and trust in an institution whose highest office is clouded by such serious allegations and associations.
SAFTU therefore supports the decision to suspend General Masemola as a necessary step to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and to begin restoring confidence in law enforcement institutions.
At the same time, we note the appointment of General Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Commissioner. Given the gravity of the crisis within the police, we can only hope that this appointment has been subjected to rigorous vetting and integrity checks. South Africa cannot afford a recycling of compromised leadership at this critical moment.
The crisis within the police is not an isolated incident but part of a deeper systemic rot that has been laid bare by the Madlanga Commission.
The Commission’s revelations have confirmed what working-class communities have long experienced: a police service weakened by corruption, infiltration by criminal networks, and a collapse of internal accountability mechanisms.
This has led to a profound erosion of public trust. Communities facing daily violence, crime, and lawlessness are increasingly left to fend for themselves, while confidence in the ability and willingness of the police to act decisively continues to decline.
SAFTU reiterates that restoring public confidence in policing requires far more than leadership changes.
It demands:
• A full, transparent, and independent investigation into all allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission
• Immediate strengthening of vetting, lifestyle audits, and anti-corruption mechanisms within SAPS
• The removal and prosecution of all officials implicated in criminal activity, without fear or favour
• A rebuilding of the police service as a professional, accountable institution that serves the people, not criminal syndicates
South Africa is facing a deepening social crisis marked by rising violent crime, gender-based violence, and widespread insecurity. A compromised police leadership only worsens this crisis.
SAFTU will continue to demand a police service that is accountable, ethical, and firmly on the side of the working class and the poor.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
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@CrimeWatch_RSA @Prof_Cachalia @SAPoliceService We have seen who are these people who attack foreigners and who are enablers. Let's get them behind bars. Shout if you need help, we are on standby..
We are fixing the country manje.

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[ATTACKS AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONALS]
The Ministry of Police strongly condemns the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaian nationals and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.
These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded. South Africa is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations.
The Ministry of Police wishes to advise the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents. All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Ministry of Police calls on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country. The Ministry further urges community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding.

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ZintleStar retweetledi

The WhatsApp message revealed at the Madlanga Commission — “Fannie Masemola will be removed soon and replaced by someone who is on our side” — now carries an ominous weight following the recent moves against the National Commissioner.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa placing Masemola on precautionary suspension over the controversial Medicare24 tender linked to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, the message no longer looks like idle gossip. Instead, it reads like a chilling prophecy of a plan already in motion.
Masemola was sidelined over alleged irregularities involving a R228 million SAPS health services contract. In a startling escalation, he was also added as a co-accused in the broader fraud and corruption case linked to Matlala.
The commission’s evidence raises a haunting question: was there an organised effort to capture the very soul of SAPS? If someone could confidently promise Matlala that the National Commissioner would be replaced by an ally, it suggests a shadow influence that bypasses the rule of law.
#MadlangaCommission


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ZintleStar retweetledi
ZintleStar retweetledi

@SAPoliceService The corrupt and alleged gang-affiliated @SAPoliceService have consistently shown they do not have the people's interests at heart. Their consistent acceptance of bribes from drug dealers, illegal foreigners and others has destroyed South Africans' trust in them. Treacherous!
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@Constitution_94 If he was actually "fixing" there would be changes even the slightest, how many yrs has he been in office? What changes are there? Instead it's getting worse. Things are falling apart yet there's clowns like your self who still believe this nonsethat was sold to you by the media
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If Cyril Ramaphosa didnt have to fix the mess left by Jacob Zuma, South Africa would have been in the levels of China by now in terms of development.
Jacob Zuma took youth unemployment which was around 35% in 2009 and left it at over 55% in 2018. A blood bath for young persons
It has now dropped to around 48%.
Ramaphosa is forced to fix every institution which Zuma broke it to the ground with...his now...MKP commanders.
We dont appreciate Ramaphosa hard enough. I have that feeling
PS:
I speak as a very objective person here. No payment was made for me to post this nor any promise for it🙏🏽


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ZintleStar retweetledi
ZintleStar retweetledi

@weloveghana042 @DivineChin57356 It's his audacity for me, imagine being miles away from home yet comfortable enough to go to the streets snatching people's phones.
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@DivineChin57356 Because he’s a black, Mandela will be so disappointed
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ZintleStar retweetledi

A Ghanaian is barking out loud calling for South Africans living in Ghana to be deported and I have a question has he ever met one South African on the streets of Ghana hawking or running a salon or barbershop?
#MadlangaCommission Jacinta Saleng MaCele
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ZintleStar retweetledi
ZintleStar retweetledi

@ZintleStar @ZungulaVuyo My facts are straight. You use crime to fight crime.
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There is no government that would summon our Ambassadors if the government actually enforced immigration laws.
Immigration laws are enforced all over Africa and rest of the world, and no one says its xenophobia. The issue in SA, is a failing government that leads to citizens having to step in.
The only solution is a government actually enforcing the immigration laws !!!
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ZintleStar retweetledi
ZintleStar retweetledi
ZintleStar retweetledi

@MasibuleleOnce2 @k_mfundopraise Julius is a dog that used to bite, he has now lost his teeth and only his followers are still hanging on the memory of how mighty he used to be
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@k_mfundopraise Nhlanha Lux
Frontline state girl
Ngizwe
They all come and go. start cooking another fool, the same thing you think EFF is COPE 😂😂😂😂😂 Julius is unmatched they tried many time they won't succeed
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Two cows🔥🔥 pain goes straight to woodwork gang! 😂😂😂


🎀Strawberry Cheesecake🎀@Radebe_merci
I'm excited to share that I'm currently backing an incredible campaign on BackaBuddy. Join me in making a difference by following this link! backabuddy.co.za/campaign/jacin… Guys the link is out !!! 🤍✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽🔥🔥🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦let’s do it for our own !!! Jacinta Ngobese Zuma
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@MosesM_ @sneshzulue @Radebe_merci We hate the ones on our country..you see the ones that remain home? Produce nice music and good movies? We have zero problems with them
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@MosesM_ @Radebe_merci I watch Nigeria movies, I listen to their music comfortably from my own country.
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@Radebe_merci How can you hate Nigerians then love their, food, their movies, their Idols, their music?😂

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@thaboMapika @BafanaSurprise Being a zai zai is really tough😂😂 ohh and by the way I'm Xhosa.
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Shame EFF members hijacked this campaign made it about them, they thought it was the end. And patriots were like hold my beer 🤣🤣.
The same R30k that they were crying about meant to support Jacinta, is now accumulated within 48 hours. The goal was R15k, patriots decided to double the money.
Credit to Strawberry and all the patriots that participated in making this a success. We strong as united South Africans.

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