The Buck Stops Here
YOU South Africa|12 May 2022
The new police commissioner has a huge challenge ahead - but Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola is more than ready for it
By Lesego Seokwang
The Buck Stops Here

He's always wanted to be a policeman. His father was a cop, as were his uncles and he can't think of a time when he didn't want to work in the field of law enforcement.

But if his dad had his way, South Africa's new police commissioner would've become a teacher. “I didn't like that, says Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, the man now occupying one of the hottest seats in the civil service.

“My first choice was to be a police official, and other choices were to be a lawyer or a magistrate.

With the support of his uncle, he pursued his dream and after rising through the ranks in various positions, he's now tasked with turning around a police force that's widely seen as ineffective and corrupt.

“You have the weight of the nation's expectations resting on your shoulders, President Cyril Ramaphosa told him at the announcement of his appointment.

“I indeed assume this ultimate top position and leadership role during a challenging time where public trust and confidence in the police has gone low, was Masemola's response in his first speech as commissioner.

He takes over from Khehla Sithole, who'd been appointed by former president Jacob Zuma.

He knows there are many challenges but he's more than ready for it, Masemola tells YOU. At 1,8m he's a tall man, and a cuts an imposing figure – he appears to almost tower over the flags that flank him in the boardroom where we meet but he's unexpectedly soft-spoken.

Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 12 May 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 12 May 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

YOU SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
YOU South Africa

SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES

John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love

time-read
5 dak  |
5 December 2024
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
YOU South Africa

SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG

A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them

time-read
4 dak  |
5 December 2024
LIAM LAID TO REST
YOU South Africa

LIAM LAID TO REST

More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
SHILOH HANGS OUT
YOU South Africa

SHILOH HANGS OUT

THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
LEO IN LOVE
YOU South Africa

LEO IN LOVE

He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down

time-read
3 dak  |
5 December 2024
PACKING A PUNCH
YOU South Africa

PACKING A PUNCH

Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it

time-read
4 dak  |
5 December 2024
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
YOU South Africa

I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD

As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome

time-read
5 dak  |
5 December 2024
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
YOU South Africa

'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'

A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars

time-read
4 dak  |
5 December 2024
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
YOU South Africa

THE CLAWS ARE OUT!

Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William

time-read
7 dak  |
5 December 2024
SA'S TOXIC FOOD SCARE
YOU South Africa

SA'S TOXIC FOOD SCARE

R15 million for rapid testing

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024