Masemola to meet SAPS management on first day back in office

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to meet with senior South African Police Service (SAPS) management on Monday, following the withdrawal of charges against him and the lifting of his precautionary suspension.

Monday marks Masemola’s first day back in office since President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his suspension last week.

In a media statement, SAPS said Masemola would meet provincial commissioners, deputy national commissioners and divisional commissioners at the Tshwane Academy at 7.30am as he resumes his duties as head of the organisation.

Masemola is also expected to address the media following his return.

Ramaphosa lifts suspension

On Friday, Ramaphosa lifted Masemola’s precautionary suspension, allowing him to resume his full duties on Monday.

The President and Masemola had agreed to the suspension in April 2026 after the national commissioner appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court to face charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) linked to a SAPS health services tender involving Medicare24, awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The broader procurement was valued at about R360 million, while the contract at the centre of the court proceedings was valued at R228 million.

Investigators identified alleged irregularities in the procurement process, with at least R50 million paid before SAPS cancelled the contract in May 2025.

Ramaphosa welcomed Masemola’s return to his full duties and expressed appreciation to Chief Financial Officer Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting commissioner during the interim period.

Charges formally withdrawn

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, instructed on September 12 that the charges against Masemola be withdrawn.

The Pretoria Magistrate's Court formally withdrew the charges on September 22.

Masemola had faced four counts of contravening Section 38 of the PFMA, which sets out the responsibilities of accounting officers. 

The prosecution was pursued by the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Following the withdrawal of the charges, Masemola said he was ready to return to work and continue serving the country.

“I want to thank everyone who prayed for me; it has been a tough journey, I must say,” he told journalists outside the court.

He added that he was eager to resume his responsibilities but would wait for the employer’s instruction.

“I am eager to get back to work and serve the country, but I will still have to wait for the employer,” he said.

Reflecting on the case, Masemola described the experience as deeply painful.

“It has been tough, a very painful road that I had to go through … I managed, but I don’t wish anyone to go through this very same route,” he said.

Madlanga Commission examines case

The case has also come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where testimony raised questions about the basis for the investigation and prosecution of Masemola.

Evidence presented to the commission included claims that investigators lacked sufficient evidence and had failed to follow the required statutory procedures.

Prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy also testified about allegations concerning former IDAC head Andrea Johnson’s handling of the investigation, including claims that efforts were made to uncover damaging information about Masemola.

The commission further heard questions about Masemola’s inclusion among other individuals linked to the controversial tender.

Asked what should be done to prevent similar disputes involving the falsification of information, Masemola said investigations should remain the responsibility of investigators. 

He also warned against conflating separate issues.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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