National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is expected to resume his duties on Monday, 19 October 2026, after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension.
Masemola’s return follows the withdrawal of criminal charges against him in connection with a controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Charges withdrawn in September
Masemola was suspended in April 2026 after facing four charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges concerned his responsibilities as the SAPS accounting officer in connection with the procurement process for the health services contract.
On 22 September, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges after the National Prosecuting Authority concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against him.
However, the withdrawal of the charges did not automatically end his suspension. Ramaphosa had to make a separate decision on whether the national police commissioner could return to his position.
On 28 September, the President said Masemola’s possible reinstatement was still under consideration.
The lifting of the suspension now paves the way for Masemola to resume leadership of the country’s police service.
His return comes as scrutiny of police procurement and alleged corruption within the criminal justice system continues.
