Politics · Other · 3 hrs ago
South African police chief to return after suspension is lifted
President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the suspension of police chief Fannie Masemola on Friday.
Masemola is expected to return to his duties on Monday, after being suspended in April.
The charges against him were withdrawn after prosecutors reviewed the case involving a police health services contract.
Other senior officers were also charged in connection with the contract, and allegations included bribery, fraud and corruption.
The contract is part of a wider inquiry into alleged corruption in South Africa’s police and criminal justice system.
Masemola’s return comes as that inquiry continues, while officials say the police can focus on their operational priorities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the suspension of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Masemola is expected to return to work on Monday.
He was suspended after being charged over alleged breaches of financial and procurement rules linked to a police health-services contract.
The National Prosecuting Authority withdrew the charges after a review found no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
The contract has been a focus of a judicial commission investigating alleged corruption and criminal influence in South Africa’s law-enforcement and criminal justice systems.
- Who
- President Cyril Ramaphosa reinstated National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
- What
- Ramaphosa lifted Masemola’s suspension, and he is expected to resume his duties.
- When
- The suspension was lifted on Friday, October 16, 2026; Masemola is expected back on Monday.
- Where
- South Africa.
- Why
- Prosecutors withdrew the charges against Masemola after a review found no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
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Masemola was suspended after being charged over alleged breaches of financial rules related to a police contract.
The National Prosecuting Authority dropped the charges against Masemola and other senior officers, according to AP.
Ramaphosa lifted Masemola’s suspension.
Masemola is expected to resume his duties.
- Commissioner
- Fannie Masemola
- Reinstatement
- Announced Friday, October 16, 2026
- Expected return
- Monday
- Contract value
- AP reported $21 million; Africanews reported nearly $14 million
- Review finding
- No reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution, according to Africanews
3 sources
What people are saying
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,