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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been placed on precautionary suspension.
The decision follows Masemola’s recent court appearance involving allegations that he violated the Public Finance Management Act.
The charges specifically relate to the irregular awarding of a multi-million rand healthcare contract to the company Medicare24, a deal valued at approximately R360 million ($21 million).
During a press conference in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa emphasised that this step was vital for maintaining the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and ensuring full accountability for the use of public funds.
He stated that the measure is intended to safeguard the office from potential abuse while allowing legal proceedings to continue.
General Masemola has denied the allegations, which stem from an investigation into procurement irregularities during his time as the police service’s accounting officer.
To ensure the stability of the nation’s law enforcement during this period, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed as the acting National Commissioner.
Dimpane, who previously served as the head of financial management services for the police, has been tasked with addressing systemic weaknesses in procurement that have contributed to recent institutional instability.
The president reassured the public that the fight against crime remains a top priority and will not be disrupted by these leadership changes.
