President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, paving the way for him to resume his duties on Monday, 19 October, following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him
The decision ends Masemola’s six-month absence from the helm of the South African Police Service (SAPS), after he was suspended in April following his court appearance on charges linked to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges related to alleged failures to adequately oversee a controversial SAPS health-services contract awarded to Medicare24, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat‘ Matlala.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on 15 September that the charges would be withdrawn after a review found insufficient grounds to pursue a successful prosecution. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi said: ‘Enrolling a case for prosecution where evidence is not sufficient to sustain a successful prosecution is not in the public interest.‘
The NPA’s official statement said the decision followed an assessment of evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, alongside reports from a case assessment panel and independent senior counsel. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formalised the withdrawal on 22 September.
In a statement, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: ‘President Ramaphosa welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties.‘
Ramaphosa also thanked Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national police commissioner during Masemola’s suspension, for maintaining leadership continuity within the police service.
Masemola’s return comes as SAPS faces ongoing pressure to tackle organised crime, corruption and violent crime. Although the criminal charges have been withdrawn, the decision does not in itself resolve broader concerns surrounding police procurement and accountability.
