President Ramaphosa uplifts suspension of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service

President Cyril Ramaphosa has uplifted the cautionary suspension of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola, to resume his full duties on Monday 19 October, 2026.

President Ramaphosa and General Masemola had agreed that the National Commissioner be deemed to be on precautionary suspension in April 2026, following the Commissioner’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions issued instructions on 15 September 2026 that charges against the National Commissioner be withdrawn.

On 22 September 2026, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew charges against General Masemola.

President Ramaphosa welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties and expresses his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane who served with distinction as Acting National Police Commissioner in the interim.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria