- Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane issued a farewell statement as her tenure as Acting National Commissioner of SAPS came to an end on 17 October 2026
- Dimpane thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa for entrusting her with the role and welcomed General Fannie Masemola back to his position
- Masemola's return follows Ramaphosa lifting his suspension after charges linked to a R360 million Medicare24 contract were dropped
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has formally concluded her tenure as Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), stepping aside as General Fannie Masemola returned to his post on 17 October 2026.
In a statement released by the SAPS, Dimpane extended her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for placing his confidence in her to lead the organisation. She also thanked the Ministry, SAPS senior management, all members of the service, organised labour, and crime-fighting stakeholders for their support and cooperation during her time in the acting role.
Dimpane said she welcomed Masemola back to duty and expressed her intention to continue serving alongside fellow members of the service.
Masemola returns after suspension lifted
Masemola's reinstatement follows President Ramaphosa's decision to lift his suspension after charges against him, related to the R360 million Medicare24 contract, were dropped. The development cleared the way for his return to the country's top policing position.
Dimpane had been leading the service in the interim, a period that drew significant public scrutiny.
South Africans react to Dimpane's departure
The announcement prompted sharp reactions on social media, with many users expressing relief at Masemola's return and criticism of Dimpane's record in the acting role.
@eyevusi wrote:
"During her tenure, we've seen a remarkable spike in everything to do with crime; I think Masemola's post was put on autopilot."
@JacintaBIGfan said:
"She couldn't even make arrests in the Ekurhuleni cases, and she focused her efforts on blocking General Masemola from returning to his position. She even issued him and Mkhwanazi with frivolous internal charges."
@TheDynamicOne3 commented:
"Good riddance. From here she should hand herself in to answer for her crimes."
@mouga_l posted:
"I see that she left out a few people to thank for the opportunity to serve as acting NatComm. Best friend Perumal, gojas & handsome, awaiting trial Adams, and of course Matlala because those are her real heroes."
@OgaDaIgwe added:
"She must prepare another memo with serious answers about her role in awarding the Medicare contract and to explain her conniving shenanigans with IDAC. Thank you very much, please!"
Ramaphosa breaks silence after Masemola reinstatement
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that Major General Fannie Masemola will return as SAPS national commissioner on 19 October 2026, after charges against him were withdrawn.
Masemola had been suspended for six months over charges linked to a tender awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Ramaphosa also praised Acting Commissioner Puleng Dimpane, who led the police service during his absence.
Source: Briefly News
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