PRETORIA, Friday 16 October 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, clearing the way for him to resume his duties on Monday, 19 October, following the withdrawal of criminal charges linked to a controversial police healthcare tender.
The Presidency confirmed the decision on Friday, bringing an end to Masemola’s suspension, which began in April after he appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The decision restores permanent leadership at the top of SAPS amid continuing investigations and inquiries into alleged corruption and criminal interference within South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.
Masemola to return on Monday
In a statement issued on Friday, the Presidency confirmed that Masemola would resume his full responsibilities as National Commissioner on 19 October.
Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed to the precautionary suspension in April following the commissioner’s appearance in court.
The Presidency said the decision to reinstate him followed the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) withdrawal of the charges.
Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as Acting National Police Commissioner during Masemola’s absence.
Dimpane was appointed to the acting position in April to maintain continuity in police leadership while the criminal proceedings were under way.
Charges withdrawn after prosecutorial review
Masemola had faced four charges relating to alleged contraventions of the PFMA.
The charges concerned his responsibilities as SAPS accounting officer in connection with a healthcare services contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company associated with businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
The contract, valued at approximately R228 million in the criminal proceedings, formed part of a broader procurement controversy involving senior police officials.
Masemola denied wrongdoing.
On 15 September, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi instructed that the charges against Masemola be withdrawn.
The decision followed a review of evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), alongside assessments conducted by a case assessment panel and independent senior counsel.
The NPA concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of securing a successful prosecution against Masemola on the PFMA charges.
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.
However, the withdrawal of charges against Masemola did not terminate the broader criminal proceedings involving other accused individuals linked to the procurement matter.
Suspension followed police procurement controversy
Ramaphosa placed Masemola on precautionary suspension on 23 April, citing the seriousness of the charges and the importance of maintaining public confidence in police leadership.
The decision came amid heightened scrutiny of procurement practices within SAPS.
The Medicare24 contract has also featured in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission has heard evidence concerning relationships between businesspeople, police officials and individuals allegedly connected to organised crime.
Those proceedings remain separate from the criminal charges that were withdrawn against Masemola.
The NPA’s decision concerning Masemola does not determine the criminal responsibility of other individuals implicated in the broader procurement investigation.
Leadership changes amid ongoing police inquiries
Masemola’s reinstatement comes during a period of significant uncertainty within the country’s policing structures.
The Madlanga Commission continues examining allegations concerning senior police officials and possible interference in criminal investigations.
Parliament has also conducted an inquiry into allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The parliamentary process has examined allegations involving senior police leadership, procurement practices and the functioning of specialised investigative units.
Masemola’s return places him back in charge of SAPS while these processes continue.
His responsibilities include overseeing national policing operations, crime prevention, investigations and the administration of the police service.
Focus shifts to police leadership and accountability
Ramaphosa’s decision resolves the immediate uncertainty surrounding Masemola’s position as National Commissioner.
However, broader questions concerning police procurement, institutional accountability and the integrity of criminal investigations remain under examination.
The NPA has indicated that the circumstances surrounding the decision to prosecute Masemola will also be reviewed to determine whether misconduct occurred during the handling of the case.
Masemola is expected to resume his full responsibilities on Monday.
His return will place renewed attention on SAPS leadership as the police service faces continuing scrutiny over corruption allegations, violent crime and its capacity to conduct effective investigations.
