By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, clearing the way for him to resume his duties next week.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced the decision on Friday.
“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,” Magwenya said.
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Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension on 23 April after appearing in court on four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), linked to the awarding of a R228-million South African Police Service (SAPS) health-services contract to Medicare24, a company owned by alleged underworld figure and attempted murder-accused businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
The allegations centred on Masemola’s responsibilities as the SAPS accounting officer and whether adequate financial oversight and procurement controls had been exercised in connection with the contract.
In September, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi instructed that the charges against Masemola be withdrawn after reviewing the evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a Case Assessment Panel report, and an independent senior counsel’s assessment.
The NPA concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
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It also said that it would refer the circumstances surrounding the prosecution to the IDAC judge for examination, including whether misconduct had occurred in the handling of the case.
The President and Masemola had agreed that the commissioner would be placed on precautionary suspension while the criminal proceedings were under way.
Masemola is expected to return to work on Monday.
