National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to return to the helm of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday, 19 October 2026, following the withdrawal of criminal charges that preceded his precautionary suspension.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted Masemola’s suspension, bringing an end to a six-month period in which Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane served as acting national police commissioner.
Masemola was suspended in April after appearing before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges relating to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The National Director of Public Prosecutions instructed prosecutors to withdraw the charges on 15 September 2026. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formalised the withdrawal on 22 September.
Leadership transition at SAPS
Masemola’s return will restore him to the position of national police commissioner after months away from his substantive role.
During his absence, Dimpane led the police service in an acting capacity. Ramaphosa has acknowledged her contribution, expressing appreciation for her service and leadership during the interim period.
The transition marks a change in the leadership arrangement at SAPS, with Masemola expected to resume responsibility for the organisation’s national operations and policing priorities.
Charges withdrawn before reinstatement
The decision to lift Masemola’s suspension follows the withdrawal of the criminal charges against him.
The case related to an alleged contravention of the PFMA and had required Masemola to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
The withdrawal of the charges preceded the decision to restore him to his position. However, the termination of the criminal proceedings should not be presented as a court finding on the merits of the underlying allegations.
Masemola’s return places him back in charge of the national police service following the conclusion of the proceedings that prompted his suspension.
