National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has pledged to strengthen frontline policing, improve police station services and intensify crime-fighting operations following the lifting of his precautionary suspension.
In a message marking his return to the office of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Masemola said his focus would be on uniting the organisation, strengthening institutional integrity and improving its ability to fight crime.
He said his return was about more than an individual resuming office, emphasising the importance of the rule of law, accountability and continuity within the police service.
“The SAPS is bigger than any one person, and our constitutional mandate must always take precedence over personal interests, internal differences and individual circumstances,” he said.
Masemola thanks Ramaphosa after suspension lifted
Masemola expressed gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for lifting his precautionary suspension following the withdrawal of charges against him by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
He said he had maintained confidence in the legal process throughout the period and that the experience had reinforced the importance of due process, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
Masemola also thanked South Africans who supported him during the suspension, singling out his wife and children for their support.
He said his priority was now to focus on leadership, institutional renewal and improving the SAPS's performance in combating crime.
Police leadership urged to unite
Masemola called on senior police management to demonstrate professional solidarity, ethical leadership and collective responsibility.
He said differences within the organisation should be addressed constructively, with the interests of the police service and the communities it serves taking precedence over personal considerations.
He also acknowledged Lieutenant General Dimpane, who served as acting National Commissioner during his absence.
Masemola said he would receive a formal handover report outlining key developments, operational priorities, progress and outstanding matters requiring attention.
He also referred to the forthcoming final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, saying the SAPS would need to consider and implement relevant recommendations aimed at improving accountability, transparency and institutional integrity.
More resources planned for police stations
Improving frontline policing and the public's experience at police stations will be among Masemola's priorities.
He said the SAPS would focus on ensuring police stations have the vehicles, equipment, technology and personnel needed to perform their duties effectively.
The plans include prioritising additional police vehicles, strengthening visible policing, improving response times and addressing critical staffing shortages.
Masemola said the recruitment of new police trainees would begin soon, while efforts would be accelerated to fill vacant posts in line with approved staffing priorities and available resources.
Provincial commissioners and station commanders would also be expected to account for how resources are used and whether they improve service delivery.
He said deployments should be guided by crime patterns, population demands, operational risks and community needs.
SAPS prepares for local government elections
The upcoming local government elections are another immediate priority for the police service.
Masemola said provincial commissioners would be engaged to assess operational readiness, identify crime hotspots and ensure that intelligence, personnel and resources were aligned with emerging threats.
He also raised concern about attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates.
Masemola said he would receive a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence on these incidents, including threat assessments and measures needed to strengthen prevention and investigations.
He pledged that the SAPS would act against political violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct, stressing that the police service would remain impartial.
“No political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear,” he said.
He urged political parties, their members and supporters to exercise tolerance, respect opposing views and resolve differences peacefully.
Festive-season crime-fighting operations to continue
Masemola said the SAPS would maintain its National Safer Festive Season operations while preparing for the elections.
Key priorities include gender-based violence and femicide, murder, robbery, sexual offences, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime.
The police service will also focus on intelligence-led operations, road safety enforcement and increased police visibility at shopping centres, transport facilities, entertainment areas, tourist destinations and identified crime hotspots.
Provincial and district commissioners would be expected to ensure that operational plans produce measurable results and contribute to safer communities.
Masemola pledges to improve police morale and accountability
Masemola said restoring pride in the police uniform and improving members' morale would require effective leadership, adequate resources and fair treatment, without compromising discipline.
He said corruption, abuse of authority and unprofessional conduct would have to be addressed firmly and fairly, while members who serve with integrity should be supported and recognised.
He added that public confidence would depend on consistent action and a police service that remained professional, disciplined, ethical and responsive.
Masemola called on communities, businesses, civil society, government and security partners to strengthen cooperation in the fight against crime.
He said his focus was on uniting the SAPS, strengthening frontline capacity and improving public confidence through better service delivery and accountability.
IOL