President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, paving the way for him to resume his duties on Monday.
The Presidency announced the decision on Friday, following the withdrawal of criminal charges against Masemola in September.
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
According to the Presidency, the National Director of Public Prosecutions instructed on 15 September that the charges against Masemola be withdrawn. The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.
Ramaphosa has welcomed Masemola’s return to his position and thanked Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national police commissioner during his absence.
Masemola’s return comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of policing and allegations of corruption within the criminal justice system.
His suspension had left Dimpane in charge of the country’s police service while the legal proceedings against Masemola were pending.
The lifting of the suspension means Masemola will return to the leadership of the SAPS following the formal withdrawal of the charges against him.
The Presidency did not provide further details about the reasons for the withdrawal of the charges in its statement.
Masemola is expected to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026.
