President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on 16 October 2026. Masemola is set to resume his full duties on 19 October, following the withdrawal of criminal charges related to the SAPS health-services contract.
Masemola was suspended in April after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court facing charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) instructed the withdrawal of these charges on 15 September, which the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally enacted a week later.
A government statement confirmed the reinstatement, noting: “President Cyril Ramaphosa has uplifted the cautionary suspension of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola, to resume his full duties on Monday 19 October, 2026.”
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya expressed appreciation for Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as Acting National Police Commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.
Police ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the National Commissioner’s return offered an essential opportunity to maintain focus on operational priorities and ongoing reforms under the Police Reset Agenda. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also welcomed Masemola’s return, emphasizing the need for the SAPS to stay committed to crime fighting and institutional rebuilding.
In his first public remarks since the reinstatement announcement, General Masemola declared: “I know that I am not guilty, I am not wrong.”
The charges against Masemola stemmed from an investigation by the Independent Directorate for Anti-Corruption (Idac) into the SAPS health-services contract. While some commentary suggested the suspension was part of internal battles within the police service and related agencies, these claims remain unverified by independent sources and should be treated cautiously.
The lifting of the suspension ends a six-month period during which Masemola was sidelined amid the legal proceedings. His reinstatement marks a significant moment in the leadership of SAPS as it continues to focus on professionalisation and regaining public trust in South Africa’s police services.
The Department of Police and the Presidency have not indicated any changes to the broader investigation processes within Idac, which continue separately from Masemola’s case.
Cape Flats.co.za will continue monitoring developments around SAPS leadership and related institutional reforms, providing updates as more information becomes available.