- A video appearing to show National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola refusing to shake hands with Lt-General Senthumule went viral
- The clip surfaced after Masemola's suspension was lifted and he returned to his role as the country's top police officer
- Senthumule has faced heavy criticism following explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission about her conduct and alleged remarks
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA - A video of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola seemingly refusing to shake hands with Lieutenant-General Hilda Senthumule has set social media alight, with many South Africans cheering on the snub.
The clip drew hundreds of comments and likes after it began circulating online. It surfaced in the wake of Masemola's return to duty following the lifting of his suspension, which allowed him to reclaim his position as the country's top police officer.
The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and some online users have suggested it may be old footage predating his return to work on 19 October 2026.
Who is Senthumule and why is she under scrutiny?
Senthumule serves as Acting Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection and Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services.
Senthumule also faced scrutiny after Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya played a recorded telephone conversation at the commission in which she appeared to criticise senior colleagues, including Masemola. Sibiya said he made the recording because he noticed she would say one thing to him and something different to Masemola.
During the same proceedings, it was alleged she had referred to Masemola using the biblical phrase "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin," a warning traditionally associated with judgement and downfall. Senthumule had previously told the commission she was in support of the unit being discussed.
View the X post with the clip here:
Mzansi weighs in on the viral clip
The video sparked strong reactions, with most online commenters siding firmly with Masemola.
@DengaGoden wrote:
"General can't be friend with Criminal"
@NhlamuloNeay said:
"This one knows how to pretend. We know that she called him Mene mene Tekel in one of their gossip with Sibiya"
@Sunflowerreal shared:
"Yes my General ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿 that Senthumele is a snake. Don't shake that hand."
@mathebulati added:
"General Fannie Masemola does not want to pretend 😆"
@Patrici47761869 noted:
"Senthumule is a drama queen. She could have left him when she could see that he wasn't interested"
What the video actually shows and whether Masemola's intentions were what viewers assumed cannot be confirmed from the footage alone. The moment has, however, reignited public debate about tensions among South Africa's most senior police officials.
Senthumule confirms relationship with Vusi Matlala
Previously, Briefly News reported that General Senthumule became a polarising figure following her appearance before the AdHoc Commission, where details of her personal and professional conduct were laid bare.
Fellow cop Rachel Matjeng's Madlanga testimony hinted at a close relationship between Senthumule and businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is currently in custody. Senthumule denied the relationship as well as claims that Matlala had paid for a BBL procedure for her, though the allegation earned her the unflattering nickname "the BBL cop" on social media.
Source: Briefly News
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