Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the suspension of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola.
Announcing the development, the Presidency said in a terse statement that General Masemola will resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026.
“President Ramaphosa and General Masemola had agreed that the National Commissioner be deemed to be on precautionary suspension in April 2026, following the Commissioner’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act,” the statement said.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions issued instructions on 15 September 2026 that charges against the National Commissioner be withdrawn.
On 22 September 2026, the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally withdrew charges against General Masemola.
“President Ramaphosa welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties and expresses his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served with distinction as Acting National Police Commissioner in the interim,” said Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President.
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia said he welcomes the decision by President Ramaphosa to lift the suspension of General Masemola.
The Acting Minister also expressed his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership and dedicated service as Acting National Commissioner.
“The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the South African Police Service as we continue with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa,” said Minister Cachalia.
“The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the SAPS to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda.”
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