By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension following his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week on four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges stem from a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
Masemola has been jointly charged in the state’s case alongside Matlala, 12 police officials, and three company directors.
The matter is scheduled to proceed in court on 13 May.
Ramaphosa said the decision to suspend Masemola followed discussions with him earlier this week and was intended to preserve stability within the police service while legal proceedings unfold.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday.
He stressed that the precautionary suspension would remain under review depending on the progress of the case, its duration, and any emerging evidence.
“We will need to examine precisely where this is going in order to determine what needs to be done to stabilise the situation in the police service,” he added.
Ramaphosa appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as acting National Commissioner, saying she would steer the organisation during Masemola’s absence.
“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period,” said Ramaphosa.
“Lt-Gen Dimpane will be supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country. She will lead a police service that, notwithstanding substantial challenges, is comprised of men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and the cause of justice.”
Ramaphosa said a key area of attention for the Acting National Commissioner and the police leadership is to urgently address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services.
“In the report of the Zondo Commission and through the proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, procurement has been identified as the source of corruption, abuse of office and instability within the police service,” said Ramaphosa.
“The Minister of Police will support the work that the SAPS leadership must now undertake to insulate procurement processes from any form of manipulation. This work will feed into the broader restructuring of public procurement that was announced in SONA. The Acting National Commissioner will be expected to sustain the momentum of our national fight against crime and corruption.”
Dimpane is the SAPS Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a senior police officer who joined the service in 2007.
She has held key roles including Provincial Commander for Internal Audit and Provincial Head of Financial and Administration Services.
She previously served as Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Asset Management in the Free State.
She holds a BCom Honours degree in Business Management.
Appointed SAPS CFO in 2018, she holds the rank of Lieutenant-General.
Appearing before a parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating alleged criminal networks within SAPS, Dimpane said the Medicare24 contract had caused “a lot of harm” and supported a forensic investigation, which is expected to conclude soon.
She also told MPs that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has cost taxpayers about R435 million since 2018, defending the expenditure on the basis of operational demands, including accommodation and overtime.
Dimpane compared the figure with other major policing operations, including Operation Vala Umgodi, which has exceeded R1 billion, and the 2021 unrest response, which cost about R950 million.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticised the suspension of Masemola, accusing the president of presiding over a “culture of impunity” within law enforcement.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said Ramaphosa lacked “moral authority and political will,” citing the president’s own “Phala Phala” controversy.
“The decision to suspend Masemola is not principled leadership, but a desperate attempt to contain a crisis that exposes the collapse of law enforcement integrity,” Thambo said.
The party, however, welcomed Dimpane’s appointment, describing her as experienced and capable.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also weighed in, saying the suspension of senior police leadership highlighted deeper problems within SAPS.
“This suspension is necessary and welcome, but it exposes the deeply alarming state of SAPS senior management. Time for a proper clean-out,” DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said.
“A DA-led government would move decisively to restore integrity at the top of SAPS through proper vetting, lifestyle audits, real consequence management and appointments based on competence, integrity and public trust.”
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