Ramaphosa suspends Masemola, appoints Dimpane as acting police commissioner
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension following his recent court appearance on charges related to his role as accounting officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week in connection with an alleged irregular R360 million SAPS tender awarded to businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.
Announcing the decision during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the move was necessitated by the seriousness of the charges and the importance of maintaining integrity within law enforcement leadership.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges… I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” the President said.
Ramaphosa stressed that the charges relate to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which governs the responsibilities of accounting officers in managing public funds.
To ensure stability and continuity within SAPS, the President has appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Police Commissioner.
READ: Masemola maintains innocence, tells police not to be 'distracted' by charges
He said Dimpane, currently the Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, brings nearly two decades of experience in policing, governance, and financial management.
Ramaphosa described her as a leader with “professionalism and integrity,” capable of guiding the organisation through this period.
REBUILDING TRUST
The suspension comes amid broader efforts to rebuild trust and accountability in law enforcement following years of institutional damage linked to state capture.
Ramaphosa said strengthening the fight against organised crime, corruption, and violence remains a central priority, adding that credible and effective policing institutions are essential to that effort.
He also pointed to ongoing work by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which was investigating allegations of collusion between police officials and organised crime networks.
The President identified procurement within SAPS as a key area requiring urgent reform, noting that it had been flagged as a source of abuse and instability.
Dimpane would be expected to address these weaknesses and safeguard procurement systems from manipulation.
Despite the leadership change, Ramaphosa said progress has been made in reducing contact crime and advancing efforts to combat gender-based violence, gang activity, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking.
He urged South Africans not to lose confidence in the police service.
“We should not allow this development to weaken our determination or diminish our ability to fight against crime and corruption,” Ramaphosa said.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Acting Commissioner Dimpane are expected to outline further interventions to stabilise SAPS soon.
ALSO READ
