President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, clearing the way for him to resume his duties on Monday, 19 October.
The Presidency announced the decision on Friday, following the withdrawal of criminal charges against Masemola in September.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed to the commissioner’s precautionary suspension in April 2026, after Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Magwenya said the National Director of Public Prosecutions issued instructions on 15 September to withdraw the charges, which were formally withdrawn by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 22 September.
“The President welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties,” Magwenya said.
He also conveyed Ramaphosa’s appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national police commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.
Masemola’s return follows months of uncertainty surrounding his position after he was charged in connection with a controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) health services contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
R360 million contract at centre of charges
The contract, valued at approximately R360 million, attracted scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the procurement process.
Masemola faced four counts relating to alleged contraventions of the PFMA. The prosecution centred on allegations concerning his responsibilities as the SAPS accounting officer in relation to the contract.
The charges formed part of a broader investigation into the controversial procurement, which has also drawn attention to the relationships between police officials, service providers and individuals facing criminal allegations.
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension after his court appearance in April, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
NPA withdraws charges
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on 15 September that National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi had instructed prosecutors to withdraw the charges against Masemola.
The decision followed a review of the evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), alongside assessments by a Case Assessment Panel and independent senior counsel.
The NPA said the review had concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against Masemola on the charges.
The decision was taken under Section 179(5)(c) of the Constitution, read with Section 22(2)(b) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
The NPA also indicated that the circumstances surrounding the decision to prosecute Masemola would be referred to the IDAC judge for further scrutiny.
The charges were formally withdrawn in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 22 September.
The withdrawal brought the criminal proceedings against Masemola to an end but did not constitute a court finding on the merits of the allegations.
His return places him back at the helm of the country’s police service after Dimpane’s interim leadership.
The Presidency did not provide further details about the arrangements for the transition when announcing that Masemola would resume his duties on Monday.
