Masemola returns as National Police Commissioner, vows stronger crime fight

Return framed as institutional renewal

In a message marking his resumption of office, Masemola said his return was focused on uniting the organisation, strengthening institutional integrity and improving the SAPS’s capacity to combat crime. He stressed that the moment was not simply an individual resuming duties but an opportunity to emphasise the rule of law, accountability and continuity within the police service.

“The SAPS is bigger than any one person, and our constitutional mandate must always take precedence over personal interests, internal differences and individual circumstances,”

Gratitude after suspension lifted

Masemola expressed gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa after the suspension was lifted following the withdrawal of charges against him by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He said he had retained confidence in the legal process during the period and that the experience reinforced the importance of due process, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

He also thanked South Africans who supported him during his suspension and singled out his wife and children for their support.

Leadership, accountability and internal cohesion

Masemola called on senior police management to demonstrate professional solidarity, ethical leadership and collective responsibility. He urged that internal differences be resolved constructively and that the interests of the police service and communities should take precedence over personal considerations.

He acknowledged Lieutenant General Dimpane, who acted as National Commissioner during his absence, and said he would receive a formal handover report detailing key developments, operational priorities and outstanding matters.

Masemola also referred to the forthcoming final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, saying the SAPS would need to consider and implement relevant recommendations aimed at improving accountability, transparency and institutional integrity.

Resources and service delivery at police stations

One of Masemola’s stated priorities is improving frontline policing and the public’s experience at police stations. He said the SAPS would focus on ensuring stations have the necessary vehicles, equipment, technology and personnel to carry out their duties effectively.

Key measures Masemola mentioned include:

• Prioritising additional police vehicles and strengthening visible policing
• Improving response times and addressing critical staffing shortages
• Beginning recruitment of new police trainees and accelerating efforts to fill vacant posts in line with approved staffing priorities and available resources
• Expecting provincial commissioners and station commanders to be accountable for how resources are used and whether they improve service delivery

He said deployments should be guided by crime patterns, population demands, operational risks and community needs.

Preparing for local government elections

The upcoming local government elections are an immediate operational priority for the SAPS. Masemola said provincial commissioners would be engaged to assess readiness, identify crime hotspots and ensure intelligence, personnel and resources are aligned with emerging threats.

He raised concern about attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates and said he would receive a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence, including threat assessments and measures to bolster prevention and investigations.

“No political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear,”

Masemola also called on political parties, members and supporters to exercise tolerance, respect opposing views and resolve differences peacefully.

Continuing festive-season operations and crime priorities

The SAPS will continue its National Safer Festive Season operations while preparing for the elections. Masemola identified the following areas as ongoing priorities:

• Gender-based violence and femicide
• Murder, robbery and sexual offences
• Illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime
• Intelligence-led operations, road safety enforcement and increased visibility at shopping centres, transport facilities, entertainment areas, tourist destinations and identified crime hotspots

Provincial and district commissioners were tasked with ensuring operational plans deliver measurable results and contribute to safer communities.

Morale, discipline and tackling misconduct

Masemola said restoring pride in the police uniform and improving members’ morale would require effective leadership, adequate resources and fair treatment, balanced with firm discipline. He said corruption, abuse of authority and unprofessional conduct must be addressed firmly and fairly, while members who serve with integrity should be supported and recognised.

He tied public confidence to consistent action and a police service that is professional, disciplined, ethical and responsive.

Call for wider cooperation

Masemola urged communities, businesses, civil society, government and security partners to strengthen cooperation in the fight against crime. His stated focus is on uniting the SAPS, strengthening frontline capacity and improving public confidence through better service delivery and accountability.

The National Commissioner’s return signals a renewed emphasis on operational readiness and institutional renewal at a time when the SAPS faces multiple public-safety priorities, including election-related risks and persistent violent crime. Implementation of the measures Masemola outlined will depend on operational planning, resourcing and the delivery of the Madlanga Commission’s recommendations where relevant.