Masemola admits deep police corruption and criminal infiltration before Parliament

By Johnathan Paloi

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola told members of Parliament on Tuesday that corruption and political interference remain deeply embedded within the country’s policing structures, even as authorities attempt to confront the growing reach of organised crime.

Appearing before Parliament’s ad hoc committee for a second time, Masemola acknowledged that criminal networks had penetrated not only the South African Police Service (SAPS) but also other arms of the state, complicating efforts to restore integrity to the criminal justice system.

“Yes, the issue of corruption is still there,” he said.

“Unfortunately, to pinpoint individuals, the full investigation process must be completed. We do agree, they have infiltrated; they have infiltrated SAPS and other arms of the state.”

His testimony underscored the extent to which law enforcement institutions have been weakened by internal instability, leaks of sensitive information and competing power struggles among senior police officials.

While Masemola pointed to