MK party urges Ramaphosa to reinstate suspended police commissioner after charges withdrawn

The MK party has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately lift the suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola after criminal charges against him in connection with the Saps‑Medicare24 tender were formally withdrawn on 22 September.

Charges withdrawn and suspension challenged

The party said the withdrawal of the case means there is no lawful or rational basis for keeping Masemola out of office. On 22 September, charges against Masemola related to the controversial South African Police Service (Saps)‑Medicare24 tender were formally withdrawn, and he was free to go.

Allegations, suspension and possible return

Masemola was suspended after being accused of failing to provide oversight in the multi‑million rand health contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He had faced four charges for violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with a health services tender awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District.

The MK party said Masemola’s possible return to work is being considered and that a meeting with President Ramaphosa is reportedly under consideration.

MK party statements and criticisms

MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu criticised the prosecution and the decision to suspend Masemola. He said:

“The criminal proceedings against General Masemola have collapsed, all charges have been formally withdrawn, and no lawful or rational basis remains for keeping him outside his office.”

Mahlangu accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of citing “insufficient evidence” and described the prosecution as “frivolous, vexatious and malicious, and supplied Ramaphosa with the pretext he needed to remove the country’s duly appointed National Police Commissioner.”

References to Madlanga Commission and investigators

The MK party pointed to evidence before the Madlanga Commission, arguing Masemola acted lawfully and responsibly. Mahlangu said the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) “converted responsible legal caution into criminal inaction despite knowing, or being required to know, the facts,” and noted that former NPA head Shamila Batohi and ex‑IDAC chief Andrea Johnson oversaw the failed case.

Crime crisis and leadership concerns

The MK party linked the suspension to the country’s crime situation and warned it undermines police leadership during a national emergency. Mahlangu said:

“The continued suspension of General Masemola is an injustice to him, an insult to the Saps and a reckless obstruction of stable police leadership while women are being murdered in Ekurhuleni and elsewhere.”

He called on Ramaphosa to “perform his constitutional duty and restore General Fannie Masemola to office without further delay.”