Acting Police Minister welcomes Fannie Masemola’s return to SAPS leadership

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to reinstate General Fannie Masemola as South Africa’s national police commissioner.

Ramaphosa announced on Friday that Masemola would resume his full duties on Monday, following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.

Masemola had been placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face charges relating to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The charges were linked to a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health-services tender awarded to Medicare24.

Charges against Masemola withdrawn

During Masemola’s suspension, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, the SAPS chief financial officer, served as acting national police commissioner.

Last month, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi ordered the charges against Masemola to be withdrawn after a review found there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.

Following the decision, Ramaphosa confirmed that Masemola would return to his position and resume his responsibilities at the police service.

Cachalia welcomes return to police leadership

Cachalia said the ministry remained committed to strengthening SAPS through the Police Reset Agenda, with a focus on professionalism, accountability and the service’s constitutional responsibility to protect and serve the public.

“The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the SAPS to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda,” Cachalia said.

He added that strengthening public confidence in the police remained an important priority for the ministry.

Cachalia also thanked Dimpane for her leadership and dedicated service while serving as acting national commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.

Masemola’s return comes as the ministry continues to pursue its stated objectives of improving police professionalism and accountability.

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Source: iol.co.za