Fannie Masemola Allegedly Targeted In Matlala Probe Despite No Evidence, Madlanga Commission Hears

The Madlanga Commission has heard explosive testimony that suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was allegedly targeted during an investigation involving attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

IDAC prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy told the commission that investigators were instructed to search Matlala’s electronic devices for possible links to Masemola and his daughter.

Ramsamy said there was no evidence at the time connecting Masemola to Matlala or indicating that he was a suspect in the investigation.

Madlanga Commission Hears Fannie Masemola Was Targeted

The Fannie Masemola investigation came under scrutiny during Ramsamy’s testimony, with the prosecutor describing concerns over instructions allegedly issued by former IDAC head Andrea Johnson.

Ramsamy said investigators were directed to look for information that could connect Masemola to Matlala despite there being no indication that such a link existed. She said the instructions became even more troubling when Masemola’s daughter was also brought into the search.

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“It was clear, at least to me, that General Masemola was a target and the rules would be broken to catch him by any means necessary. All the instructions given by Advocate Johnson on that day did not sit well with me.”

Ramsamy said the investigators were instructed to search Matlala’s electronic devices for possible evidence involving Masemola.

She questioned why investigators would pursue links involving the suspended police commissioner and his daughter when the investigation had not produced evidence connecting them to Matlala. The prosecutor has since concluded her evidence before the commission.

Fannie Masemola Linked To Matlala Investigation

The Matlala investigation centred on a multi-million-rand police health services tender awarded to a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Ramsamy testified that Johnson was determined to establish a connection between Matlala and Masemola.

She said IDAC team members were instructed to search for information that could potentially implicate the suspended national police commissioner.

“Why would they want to look for links with General Masemola's daughter or investigate general masemola insofar as Mr Matlala is concerned when there was absolutely nothing pointing to any links with General Masemola? It was clear (at least to me) that General Masemola was a target and the rules will be broken to catch him by any means necessary.”

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Ramsamy’s evidence suggested that the focus on Masemola extended beyond investigating the original allegations surrounding Matlala.

She said there was no evidence linking Masemola to Matlala when the instructions were issued. The testimony has placed the conduct of the former IDAC leadership under further scrutiny at the commission.

Madlanga Commission Examines IDAC Charges Against Masemola

The Madlanga Commission has also heard evidence concerning subsequent charges brought against Masemola by IDAC. Masemola was eventually charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act.

However, previous testimony before the commission questioned the basis for those charges and suggested they were allegedly fabricated in an attempt to embarrass the national police commissioner.

The latest evidence has added to questions surrounding the investigation into Matlala and the treatment of Masemola during the process. Ramsamy has now completed her testimony before the commission.

The inquiry has also adjourned its proceedings to allow Witness P to testify in camera about the alleged discovery of a clandestine counter-intelligence operation linked to a drug gang in Durban.

Witness P’s evidence is expected to focus on the alleged counter-intelligence operation and its links to the wider matters being examined by the Madlanga Commission. The commission is continuing to investigate allegations surrounding policing, corruption and criminal networks. Further evidence is expected when the proceedings resume.