National Police Commissioner General Fani Masemola is set to return to his position on Monday, 19 October, after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension, bringing an end to six months away from the helm of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The decision follows the withdrawal of criminal charges against Masemola relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with a controversial police health services tender.
His return comes at a significant time for the country’s police service, which continues to face pressure to tackle violent crime, organised criminal networks and allegations of corruption within law enforcement.
Why Masemola was suspended
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face four charges linked to his alleged responsibilities in overseeing the procurement process for a health services contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company associated with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The contract at the centre of the criminal proceedings was valued at approximately R228 million. The broader procurement process has also attracted scrutiny amid wider investigations into alleged corruption and criminal influence within parts of the police service.
Masemola’s suspension was intended to allow the legal process to unfold while maintaining stability in the police service. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane was appointed acting national commissioner during his absence.
Charges withdrawn after review
On 15 September, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi ordered the withdrawal of the charges after reviewing the evidence gathered by investigators, a case assessment panel report and an independent senior counsel’s report.
The prosecution authority concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against Masemola on the PFMA charges. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.
The withdrawal brought the criminal proceedings against Masemola to an end, although it did not automatically reinstate him. A separate decision by the president was required to lift his suspension.
Ramaphosa welcomes his return
In announcing the decision on Friday, the presidency confirmed that Masemola would resume his full duties on 19 October.
Ramaphosa welcomed the commissioner’s return and thanked Dimpane for overseeing the police service during the interim period.
Masemola had previously spoken about the personal toll of the legal proceedings, describing the experience as painful and saying he was ready to return to work and continue serving the country.
What happens next?
Masemola’s return restores the police service’s permanent national commissioner to the position he has held since 2022.
However, his reinstatement comes against the backdrop of continuing scrutiny of policing, procurement and accountability in South Africa. The wider controversy surrounding the Medicare24 contract has formed part of broader concerns about alleged criminal networks and corruption within law enforcement.
With his suspension now lifted, attention will turn to Masemola’s leadership priorities as he resumes responsibility for the country’s national police service.
