Charges against Fannie Masemola withdrawn presidency decides if he returns to work

“You are free to go.” Those were the words spoken by the magistrate in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 22 September, after charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola were formally withdrawn in connection with a controversial South African Police Service health-services tender.

Charges withdrawn in Pretoria

Masemola faced four charges of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) linked to a tender awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District. The broader procurement has been described as valued at about R360 million, while the specific contract at the centre of the court proceedings was described as a R228 million deal.

Investigators earlier found the procurement process to be irregular, and at least R50 million was paid under the contract before SAPS cancelled it in May 2025. Masemola had been suspended after being accused of failing to provide oversight in the contract.

Masemola’s response and calls for justice reform

Speaking to media after the withdrawal, Masemola described the past months as painful and said the ordeal had affected him and his family. He said: “If the president calls me tomorrow, I’ll be at the office – energetic to go back.”

He also called for changes to the justice system, saying the legislature should not conflate investigative and prosecutorial functions. In his words: “Investigation should be separate from prosecution. Once you have the two functions in one functionary, you will have a problem.”

Masemola added a call for accountability where wrongdoing is found: “If foul play is found, the relevant authorities must deal with those people.”

Next steps presidency holds the decision

Masemola’s lawyer, Morongoe Seleka, confirmed that discussions about reinstatement remain within the remit of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the minister of police, saying matters between Masemola and his employer fall squarely within their purview.

The National Prosecuting Authority, through spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, explained the withdrawal by saying:

“There must be prima facie evidence that warrants a successful prosecution. That was not the case here. Checks and balances were followed, and the NDPP intervened.”

Context from the Madlanga commission

During proceedings at the Madlanga commission, Masemola’s prosecution was questioned. Evidence presented to the commission suggested that Masemola was allegedly targeted by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) as part of an effort to remove him from his position.

Where things stand

With charges formally withdrawn, Masemola has said he is ready to return to duty. For now, any decision on reinstatement rests with the presidency.