The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of misconduct, failures in oversight, and systemic challenges within SAPS, and the wider criminal justice system.
“My role as the national commissioner of SAPS is both complex and pivotal in ensuring the effectiveness, integrity, and public confidence in the national policing system,” he told the commission on Monday.
"When a commission of inquiry such as the Madlanga Commission is convened to investigate matters of national importance, it involves allegations of misconduct, failures in oversight, or systemic challenges within SAPS, there is no doubt that I must participate actively,” Masemola said.
He explained that his testimony is not only a response to allegations but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the service and advocate for meaningful reform.
“Such inquiry provides a unique and crucial opportunity not only to respond to allegations but also to reflect honestly on the existing challenges and advocate for meaningful reform.
"By engaging openly and constructively, I demonstrate willingness to subject SAPS to rigorous scrutiny and to embrace recommendations that may emerge from this commission.
"This approach fosters a culture of accountability, encourages collaboration with oversight bodies, and signals to all stakeholders that SAPS leadership is both responsive and responsible,” he said.
Masemola emphasised the importance of accountability in strengthening public confidence in policing.
“Accountability and transparency are central to the trust South Africans place in SAPS. Participating in this commission is part of ensuring that leadership at the highest level is not only responsive but also responsible.
"By subjecting ourselves to scrutiny, we demonstrate that SAPS takes its constitutional and public mandate seriously,” he said.
He also highlighted the broader implications for the democratic project in South Africa.
“My participation abhors the best traditions of accountable and transparent policing, aligns with legal requirements, and advances both the internal development of SAPS and the broader democratic project in South Africa.
"It assures the public, government, and international observers that the highest level of SAPS leadership is committed to truth, justice, and continuous improvement,” Masemola said.
The country’s top cop said the commission is also an opportunity to strengthen governance and institutional effectiveness.
“The benefits of participating in the commission is not to provide my account of interactions with Minister (of Police) Senzo Mchunu on the issues forming part of this subject matter for determination herein only, but also hope that the commission's findings and recommendations will lead to improved governance, public trust, and institutional effectiveness which are not only critical to SAPS, but are foundational to the well-being and safety of South African society as a whole,” he said.
He stressed that openness to scrutiny is essential to foster a culture of reform within SAPS.
“By engaging openly and constructively, I demonstrate willingness to subject SAPS to rigorous scrutiny and to embrace recommendations that may emerge from this commission. It is this transparency that allows SAPS to identify shortcomings, implement changes, and continually improve operational effectiveness,” Masemola said.
Masemola noted that leadership accountability strengthens collaboration with oversight bodies.
“By participating in this commission, SAPS demonstrates accountability to the public, Parliament, and oversight institutions. It also ensures that leadership is transparent and that operational independence does not undermine responsibility,” he said.
Masemola said that active engagement with the commission signals SAPS’ commitment to continuous improvement.
“My participation advances both the internal development of SAPS and the broader democratic project. It signals to all stakeholders that SAPS leadership is both responsive and responsible. scrutiny is not a threat but an opportunity to enhance service delivery and public confidence,” Masemola said.
“The benefits of participating in the commission extend beyond providing my account; they aim to improve governance, build public trust, and enhance institutional effectiveness, which are foundational to the safety and well-being of South African society".
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[SRC] https://www.jacarandafm.com/news/news/masemola-hopes-commission-will-boost-confidence-saps/
