National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has issued a stern warning against divisions, mistrust and personal interests within the South African Police Service (SAPS) as he officially returns to office on Monday, 19 October.
Masemola resumed his duties after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his six-month precautionary suspension following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.
In a statement marking his return, Masemola called for unity, discipline and accountability across the police service.
“We cannot build a strong police service on division, mistrust, or competing personal interests,” he said.
“We must build it on professional solidarity, ethical leadership, mutual respect and a shared commitment to our constitutional mandate.”
FANNIE MASEMOLA SENDS STRONG MESSAGE TO SAPS LEADERSHIP
Masemola made it clear that senior police officials must put the interests of the organisation ahead of personal differences.
“I expect every member of the senior management to demonstrate maturity, discipline and collective responsibility,” he said.
He pledged to address misconduct while recognising officers who perform their duties with integrity.
Masemola also acknowledged the difficulties he faced during his suspension but insisted that he would not allow the experience to distract him from his responsibilities.
“I acknowledge the past, but I will not allow it to distract us from the future.”
He thanked Ramaphosa for lifting his suspension and expressed gratitude to his family and supporters.
POLITICAL KILLINGS TOP MASEMOLA’S AGENDA
Masemola identified political violence as an urgent concern ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
He said SAPS would assess security threats, identify hotspots and strengthen operational readiness across the provinces.
“Attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates demand urgent attention,” he said.
Masemola plans to receive a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence on political killings, threats and measures needed to prevent further attacks.
He also warned political parties and their supporters against intimidation and violence.
“No political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear.”
POLICE STATIONS, VEHICLES AND RECRUITMENT IN FOCUS
The national commissioner also outlined plans to strengthen frontline policing and address resource shortages at police stations.
He identified additional police vehicles, improved emergency response times, stronger visible policing and the filling of critical vacancies as priorities.
Masemola confirmed that SAPS would soon begin recruiting new police trainees.
Provincial commissioners and station commanders will also have to account for how they use resources and whether those resources improve service delivery.
He further committed to intensifying safer festive season operations, targeting murder, robbery, gender-based violence, sexual offences, illegal firearms and organised crime.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR MASEMOLA?
Masemola returns as SAPS faces scrutiny over allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration.
He said the organisation awaits the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and must be prepared to implement relevant recommendations.
“We must be prepared to carefully consider and implement the relevant recommendations to ensure that we emerge stronger, more transparent and more accountable to the people we serve,” he said.
Masemola will also receive a formal handover report from Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national commissioner during his absence.
His return follows the collapse of the criminal case against him.
Masemola faced charges under the Public Finance Management Act linked to the controversial SAPS healthcare tender awarded to a company associated with alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The National Prosecuting Authority ordered the withdrawal of the charges on 15 September, and the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew them on 22 September.
Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension on Friday, 16 October, clearing the way for his return.
Masemola said his immediate task was to restore confidence in SAPS and ensure police officers deliver results in the fight against crime.