Khusela Diko Clarifies ANC’s Position on General Fannie Masemola As South Africans Push Back

• African National Congress Member of Parliament Khusela Diko addressed growing criticism over her party's stance on General Fannie Masemola
• Diko's clarification came after the ANC's September submissions to the Ad Hoc Committee drew accusations that the party was targeting Masemola
• South Africans weighed in on Diko's clarification regarding the earlier statements, with many remaining sceptical about the ANC's stance

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

WESTERN CAPE — African National Congress Member of Parliament Khusela Diko has moved to clarify her party's position on suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Diko insisted that neither the ANC nor the Ad Hoc Committee recommended punitive action against him or blocked his return. General Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 following charges related to the Public Finance Management Act in connection with a controversial SAPS health tender.

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Those charges were withdrawn in September 2026 after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed, prompting renewed calls for his reinstatement.

What did Diko say about Masemola?

Addressing previous comments about the suspended police commissioner, Diko clarified that the party was not pushing for action to be taken against Masemola.

"We didn't call for his investigations. We didn't call for him for not being reinstated. We didn't call for anything of that nature," she said.

What Diko previously said about Masemola

Diko's clarification follows noticeable pushback against the ANC after its mid-to-late September submissions to the same committee.

In those submissions, the party criticised Masemola for failing to formally challenge what it described as unlawful instructions from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, specifically Mchunu's disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team and his decision to freeze crime-intelligence posts.

Critics interpreted that framing as the ANC placing blame on the commissioner while being comparatively lenient on the minister who issued the directives.

South Africans weigh in on Diko's clarity

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South Africans on social media remained largely unconvinced by Diko's assurances.

Glen Mathebula wrote:

"The reinstatement part we are sure that you didn't, and you won't."

Mondli Nkosi argued:

"Masemola needs to take the President to court for unfair suspension."

Ntandazo Viwe Maci suggested:

"As if they would admit it in public if they did."

Sifiso Fano C'thole exclaimed:

"Too late. Damage control."

Binza Rsa stated:

"She's feeling the backlash."

Masemola eager to get back to work

Previously, Briefly News reported that Major General Fannie Masemola expressed his desire to return to duty following a five-month legal ordeal.

The suspended National Police Commissioner spoke about his readiness to return to work after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew all charges against him.

Masemola said the five-month suspension had taken its toll on him personally and his family.

Source: Briefly News