Suspended General Fannie Masemola Cleared to Resume Duties as National Police Commissioner
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, clearing the way for his official return to office.
Masemola is scheduled to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026, following the formal withdrawal of criminal charges against him.
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026.
The executive decision followed his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges relating to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The legal cloud over the Police Commissioner cleared after a directive from the National Director of Public Prosecutions on 15 September 2026 instructed that the charges be dropped.
Following this directive, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew all charges against Masemola on 22 September 2026, paving the way for his reinstatement.
During Masemola’s six-month absence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was led by Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane.
Ramaphosa extended his gratitude to Dimpane for her dedicated service and leadership during this interim period.
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