Fannie Masemola’s ‘It Depends’ Answer at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Sparks Mixed Reactions
- General Fannie Masemola is the first witness to testify at the Madlanga Commission after Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
- Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga asked the National Police Commissioner whether he would defy an instruction from the Minister of Police
- South Africans shared their thoughts on Masemola's response to Justice Madlanga's question, stating how it came across to them
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - General Fannie Masemola kicked off his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and was immediately thrown into the hot seat.
The National Police Commissioner is the first witness to testify after Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi got the matter underway on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
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Many wondered if Masemola's testimony would be as explosive as Mkhwanazi's, and it didn't take long for the police commissioner to face tough questions from Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
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What did Justice Madlanga ask?
Justice Madlanga wasted no time in getting straight to the point, asking Masemola if he would go against an instruction from the Minister of Police if those instructions crossed into operational or managerial matters. The question came after Masemola said that operational and managerial matters fell under his remit and not the minister’s.
In response, Masemola initially replied that it depends, but yes, he would. When pushed for a clear answer as to what it depended on, he stated that it depended on how the minister asked him. He also admitted that it would be career-limiting to defy the minister.
Justice Madlanga then again clarified the matter, asking if the request fell outside the scope of the minister’s powers, would he refuse to do it?
Masemola again said that he would object, but it would depend on how the minister explained the reason for the directive. Justice Madlanga then asked what would happen if the minister explained himself satisfactorily.
Masemola stated that if the minister explained, and he found the reasons acceptable, he would. He clarified that if he found the reasons unacceptable, then he would not comply.
You can watch the interaction below.
What you need to know about the commission so far
- Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi said the criminal justice system faced the risk of total collapse.
- KZN’s top cop claimed that Vusimuzi Matlala’s vehicles were registered as State vehicles.
- Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi exposed how the justice system freed repeat offenders.
- The Provincial Police Commissioner stated that Matlala was pushing for General Shadrack Sibiya to be Hawks head.
- Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi accused the Presidency of interfering with investigations.
How did South Africans react to Masemola’s statement?
Social media users were divided by Masemola’s comments, with some asking whether he would carry out an illegal instruction if the minister sold it to him. Others put down his response to nerves, while some suggested the question was designed to trick him.
Cybonga Ayanda Mthethwa said:
“This question is a trap because Masemola kept quiet after the minister disbanded the KZN Political Killings Task Team. He knows it's a trap, and they'll come back to ask him about it.”
Steven Gentle Mokwena stated:
“See, ‘it depends’ is exactly what brought us here. Mandela once said that a leader who changes his principles depending on who he deals with cannot be trusted.”
Bab Dumakude added:
“The question was a tricky trap.”
Reason Sibanda agreed:
“Yoh, what a tricky question. Someone is trapped now😂.”
Keletso Queenkelly Masenya said:
“The ‘it depends’ is going to put him in hot water😏.”
Sanele Sanza Ndebele added:
“Ahh🙆🏼♂️Masemola just scored an own goal on day one.”
Malom Dee Langa noted:
“And he says yes, although it is career-limiting 🤣.”
Noxy Mtungwa Dondaa stated:
“The question was straightforward. It just needed a yes or no answer. But his answer started off sketchy🤷♀️, ‘it will depend’🙆♀️.”
Julia Mdzikwa noted:
“🙆’ it depends’ and ‘career limiting’🤭? This is why we are here😡.”
OG Itumeleng said:
“Talk about an own goal.”
Mthunzi Mandondo exclaimed:
“Unlawful instruction, and you still say it depends! The instruction is unlawful.”
Al Will Sim noted what Masemola essentially said:
“Basically, if he bribes me appropriately, I will.”
From press briefing to Madlanga Commission
Mkhwanazi's explosive press briefing on 6 July 2025 set off a chain of events that culminated in the Commission of Inquiry.
Mkhwanazi implicated top-ranking police officials and politicians in a wide-reaching criminal syndicate.
Briefly News details the timeline of events that led to President Cyril Ramaphosa establishing the commission.
Source: Briefly News
