Cyril Ramaphosa Reinstates Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola

President Cyril Ramaphosa reinstated General Fannie Masemola as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service on October 16, 2026. Masemola is scheduled to resume his full duties on October 19, ending a precautionary suspension that began on April 23, 2026.

Masemola had faced four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act related to a R360-million health-services contract awarded to Medicare24, a company linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi ordered the withdrawal of these charges on September 15, 2026, after a review found no reasonable prospects for a successful prosecution. The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally withdrew the charges on September 22.

While Masemola has been cleared, a broader case involving 15 other accused individuals remains active. The reinstatement follows testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which raised concerns that the Independent Directorate Against Corruption may have targeted senior police officials and conducted poor investigations.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia welcomed the decision, stating that Masemola's return allows police leadership to refocus on operational priorities and the Police Reset Agenda. Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane served as the Acting National Police Commissioner during the suspension period.