A powerful moment of testimony has raised fresh questions about how political pressure is applied within state institutions.
Justice Madlanga pressed Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on why he appeared to comply with a ministerial directive he had described as unlawful. Madlanga highlighted the contradiction in Masemola’s testimony, asking why he adopted a phased “wind-down” approach instead of outright refusing the order.
Masemola told the inquiry that Minister Senzo Mchunu had instructed him to “dis-establish immediately.” The judge countered, suggesting that Masemola’s earlier claim of defiance against unlawful instructions might not hold if political leaders were directly pressuring him.
Masemola is set to return to the stand on Tuesday, September 23, at 9:30 am.
Attribution:
This article is based on reporting from Daily Maverick, with additional analysis by Makopo News.
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