The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently reinstate suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, saying revelations before the Madlanga Commission have raised serious questions about the legal basis and handling of the case against him.

SAPU says Masemola should be restored to his position while the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reviews the criminal charges brought against him by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Masemola was arrested in April 2026 and appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in connection with four charges of contravening Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The charges relate to the controversial R360 million South African Police Service contract awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24 Tshwane District.

The case attracted renewed scrutiny during the commission’s questioning of former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson in July.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned why Masemola had been charged alongside Matlala and other accused facing fraud and corruption allegations when the charges against the police commissioner were based on the PFMA.

Madlanga told Johnson that Masemola appeared to have been “lumped” together with the other accused, raising concerns that the arrangement could have been intended to embarrass him and create the impression that he was involved in corruption and fraud.

Johnson conceded that Masemola’s case should have been separated from the other accused, although she denied that there had been an intention to embarrass him.

The NPA has since confirmed that the charges against Masemola are under review.

National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi said on July 31 that the matter was being subjected to a review and that he could not pre-empt its outcome.

SAPU national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said the NPA must now provide clarity on whether the charges would be withdrawn or proceed.

“What has emerged before the Madlanga Commission has raised serious questions about the manner in which IDAC handled certain investigations and the legal basis of some of the charges brought against senior police officials,” SAPU said.

The union also pointed to testimony by IDAC prosecutor Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy, who accused Johnson and investigator Dylan Perumal of launching what she described as an “orchestrated attack” on Masemola and Crime Intelligence chief Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo. Ramsamy alleged that IDAC’s investigative powers were used in cases she believed fell outside its legal mandate.

SAPU said these developments strengthened its view that Masemola may have been unfairly targeted.

The union further raised concerns about instability within SAPS, including the suspension of four lieutenant generals, arguing that disciplinary action against senior police officers must comply with SAPS regulations and the law.

SAPU also criticised what it described as a “reset agenda” within the police service, warning that decisions based on questionable information could further destabilise the organisation.

“South Africa needs a strong, professional and stable police service focused on fighting crime, not internal battles,” SAPU said.

The union urged Ramaphosa to act before leadership uncertainty further affects SAPS operations.

“Bring back Masemola. Restore stability. Let SAPS fight crime,” SAPU said.