National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026, after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.
Masemola was suspended in April 2026 after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges stemmed from a controversial SAPS healthcare tender involving Medicare24 Tshwane, a company linked to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The tender was valued at approximately R228 million, while the broader procurement was reported to be worth R360 million.
Masemola faced allegations relating to his responsibilities as the accounting officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with the tender. President Ramaphosa said the precautionary suspension was necessary to ensure the stability and effective functioning of the police service while the criminal case proceeded.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ordered the withdrawal of the charges in September after a review found that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally recorded the withdrawal on 22 September 2026.
Following the withdrawal of the charges, Ramaphosa lifted Masemola’s suspension, paving the way for his return to the leadership of the country’s police service.
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