Masemola faces four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act in relation to a R228 million Saps health services tender.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announces Major General Puleng Dimane as the acting national police commissioner. Picture: Screengrab
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as the acting national police commissioner, placing General Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension.
Addressing the nation flanked by Dimpane and acting police minister Firoz Cachalia from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Masemola’s suspension was in response to his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Masemola appeared on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in relation to a R228 million South African Police Service (Saps) health services tender awarded to criminally accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the national commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he [will] be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said.
Dimpane’s experience and mandate
He said Dimpane, who is currently the chief financial officer (CFO) and divisional commissioner for Saps’ Financial Management Services, has a long and distinguished career both in Saps and in other public institutions.
As the CFO, she oversees the entire budget for Saps.
“Having been in the police service for close on two decades, she has extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management and governance,” the president said.
“Lieutenant-General Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity. I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the Saps during this challenging period.”
Ramaphosa said the acting commissioner will be supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country.
“She will lead a police service that, notwithstanding substantial challenges, is comprised of men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and the cause of justice.”
The president commended the Saps Task Team investigating matters arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which he said had made significant progress, leading to several arrests.
‘Stabilising’ and ‘strengthening’ Saps
He said that while Masemola facing criminal charges may be an understandable cause for concern, the developments should not weaken the police’s determination and ability to fight crime and corruption.
“We should not allow anything to destabilise the police service or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people.”
Cachalia and Dimpane, Ramaphosa said, will be holding a briefing soon to outline further actions that will be taken to “stabilise the Saps” and “strengthen its work”.
“I wish Lieutenant-General Dimpane and the entire Saps leadership well in building on the progress that has been made in our fight against crime.”
Watch: Ramaphosa announces General Fannie Masemola’s suspension
Political backlash and criticism
Reacting to the news, ActionSA MP Dereleen James said the current situation almost feels like a movie.
“Everyone seems to be acting. Everyone’s acting, and we are getting no services,” James told SABC News following Ramaphosa’s announcement.
“We knew that today would be another announcement on someone acting, instead of actually coming to us and telling us, ‘I have taken a decision; I am now going to dismiss [Police Minister Senzo Mchunu], who continues to get paid with taxpayers’ money.'”
Mchunu was placed on special leave by Ramaphosa after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption and political interference against him.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates and that he had connections to Matlala.
Taking to X, newly-elected DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis wrote: “South Africans now face the extraordinary reality that the minister of police, the national commissioner, and a deputy national commissioner have all been suspended or placed on leave.
“This suspension is necessary and welcome, but it does lay bare the deeply alarming state of SAPS senior management. Time for a proper cleanout!”
EFF slams Ramaphosa’s response
In a statement in response to Ramaphosa’s announcement, the EFF said Ramaphosa’s decision was not an act of principled leadership.
Instead, the party described it as a “desperate attempt to contain a crisis that exposes the total collapse of law enforcement integrity in South Africa”.
The EFF said it condemned yet another instance where a high-ranking police official is placed on taxpayer-funded “precautionary” suspension after being caught in serious wrongdoing.
“This mirrors the disgraceful handling of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was similarly shielded through paid leave rather than decisive accountability,” the party said.
“This pattern confirms that under the Ramaphosa-led ANC/DA government, corruption is not punished but managed, accommodated, and ultimately protected.”
