Tshwane – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola following his court appearance on charges related to the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining the integrity and stability of the South African Police Service (SAPS), while allowing due legal processes to unfold.
Masemola appeared earlier this week in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, prompting what the President described as a necessary response given the seriousness of the allegations and the pivotal role of the National Commissioner in leading the country’s fight against crime.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said.
To ensure continuity within the SAPS, the President appointed Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Commissioner. Dimpane, currently serving as Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, brings nearly two decades of experience in policing, governance, and financial management.
Ramaphosa expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her “professionalism and integrity” as critical attributes needed during what he described as a challenging period for the police service.
The announcement comes as government intensifies efforts to combat organised crime, corruption, and violent offences—priorities Ramaphosa outlined during his State of the Nation Address earlier this year. He stressed that effective law enforcement institutions are central to restoring public trust and ensuring accountability.
The President also highlighted ongoing investigations into corruption within the police, including the work of a commission of inquiry led by Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission is probing allegations of police collusion with organised crime, with findings expected to inform further reforms.
Procurement within the SAPS has emerged as a key area of concern. Ramaphosa noted that both the Zondo Commission and the Madlanga inquiry identified procurement systems as vulnerable to abuse, corruption, and manipulation. He said urgent steps would be taken to strengthen safeguards and improve oversight.
Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia is expected to support these reforms, alongside broader restructuring efforts in public procurement announced earlier this year.
Despite the current leadership uncertainty, Ramaphosa maintained that progress has been made in tackling crime. He pointed to a reduction in contact crimes over the past two financial years, attributing this in part to increased police visibility and targeted interventions against gender-based violence and femicide.
Efforts to combat organised crime—including gang violence, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and kidnappings—have also been intensified through collaboration between SAPS and the South African National Defence Force.
The President acknowledged that Masemola’s court appearance may raise public concern but urged South Africans not to lose confidence in the justice system or the police service.
“We should not allow this development to weaken our determination or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people,” Ramaphosa said.
Further details on measures to stabilise the SAPS are expected to be outlined in an upcoming joint briefing by Cachalia and Acting Commissioner Dimpane.
As the legal process unfolds, Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, emphasising that no individual or institution is above it.
