National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will resume his duties on Monday after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension following the formal withdrawal of charges against him, a development welcomed by the South African Policing Union (SAPU).

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia welcomed the decision on Friday, saying Masemola’s return presented an opportunity for the South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership to refocus on operational priorities and efforts to build a professional and trusted police service.

Ramaphosa announced the lifting of Masemola’s suspension in a statement released on Friday. African Times reported on the President’s decision, which clears the way for the national commissioner to return to his position after the charges against him were formally withdrawn.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Police confirmed its support for the President’s decision and acknowledged the leadership provided by Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.

“The Acting Minister also expresses his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership and dedicated service as Acting National Commissioner during this period,” the ministry said.

The ministry said the return of Masemola would allow police leadership to maintain its focus on operational priorities while continuing with the Police Reset Agenda, which aims to strengthen professionalism and accountability within the organisation.

The decision comes as South Africa’s police service faces mounting pressure to address violent crime, gender-based violence and femicide, and the killing of police officers.

SAPU welcomes decision

SAPU welcomed Ramaphosa’s decision, describing it as consistent with the principles of the rule of law, fairness and justice.

Spokesperson for the union, Lesiba Thobakgale, said it had consistently defended due process and the presumption of innocence, arguing that no individual should face unfair treatment or punishment without sufficient legal grounds.

“Today’s developments vindicate the principled position SAPU has maintained throughout this difficult period. We can confidently confirm that our members have welcomed this development with great relief and renewed hope,” Thobakgale said.

SAPU said Masemola’s return provided an opportunity to restore stability, confidence and effective leadership within the police service.

The union also wished the national commissioner strength and wisdom as he resumed his responsibilities, particularly as the country prepared for the November local government elections and approached the festive season.

South Africa’s policing environment would require decisive leadership and cooperation between the police, government and other stakeholders, SAPU said.

“The escalating levels of crime, the persistent pandemic of gender-based violence and femicide and the continued killing of police officers demand decisive leadership, unity and collective action,” Thobakgale said.

“The time for distractions and unnecessary divisions is over. The time has come to unite behind the common objective of making South Africa a safer country for all.”

The union added that its position had never been about individuals but about protecting institutions and ensuring that justice prevailed.

Thobakgalesaud SAPU remained committed to working with SAPS management, government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen policing, protect police officers and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Police Reset Agenda continues

Cachalia said the ministry remained committed to strengthening the police service through the Police Reset Agenda, with an emphasis on professionalism, accountability and fulfilling the organisation’s constitutional mandate to protect and serve the public.

Masemola’s return will see him resume leadership of the national police service after Dimpane’s period as acting commissioner.

The ministry said the focus remained on building a capable and trusted police service that could respond effectively to the country’s policing challenges.

The lifting of the suspension follows the formal withdrawal of charges against Masemola. The ministry’s statement did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.

The President’s decision and the union’s response place renewed attention on the police service’s leadership as it prepares for a demanding period involving election-related policing and festive-season operations.

For SAPU, the priority is now to move beyond divisions and concentrate on fighting crime, protecting communities and strengthening public confidence in the police.

“Together, we must now focus on fighting crime, protecting our communities and building a safer South Africa,” Thobakgale said.