South Africa: Masemola Back As Police Commissioner After Ramaphosa Lifts Suspension

What the report says

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, allowing him to return to full duties on Monday, 19 October, according to a Presidency announcement reported by Scrolla and distributed by AllAfrica. Masemola had been placed on suspension in April 2026 after appearing in court on charges tied to alleged irregularities involving a R360-million police health services tender.

The case centered on accusations under the Public Finance Management Act related to a tender awarded to Medicare24. After a review, National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi ordered the charges withdrawn on 15 September, and the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally removed them on 22 September. The Presidency said Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed earlier that the commissioner would be treated as on precautionary suspension while the matter was considered.

Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the police chief financial officer, served as acting national commissioner during Masemola’s absence. Ramaphosa thanked her for what the Presidency described as distinguished service in the interim. The South African Policing Union had publicly urged the president to end the suspension after the charges were dropped. The National Prosecuting Authority has also referred the matter for further oversight to examine whether there was any malice in the original prosecution, adding another layer of scrutiny to the case.