The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally called upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to place National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension following the emergence of criminal charges against him.
In a statement issued today, April 21,2026,DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis urged the President to immediately appoint a board of inquiry to investigate Masemola's fitness to hold office, citing specific provisions within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act.
The legal basis for action
The DA's demand hinges on Section 9 of the SAPS Act, which, when read alongside Section 8, provides the President with the legal framework to establish a board of inquiry into allegations of misconduct or incapacity. This law further allows the President to assess the fitness of the National Commissioner to execute his duties and to suspend the Commissioner pending the outcome of such an inquiry.
While the Presidency has confirmed that President Ramaphosa is aware of the charges and intends to follow due legal process, the DA argues that “vague process language" is insufficient given the gravity of the situation.
A crisis of confidence in SAPS
The calls for Masemola's removal come at a sensitive time for South African law enforcement. Hill-Lewis highlighted that the country is currently grappling with high rates of violent crime terrorizing local communities, deeply entrenched organised criminal networks, and fragile public confidence in the police service.
“The mere fact that the country's top police officer now faces criminal charges linked to a procurement matter is grave enough to demand urgent presidential action,” Hill-Lewis stated.
Seeking stability and accountability
The DA maintains that the fight against crime cannot succeed without clean, credible, and accountable leadership at the helm of the SAPS. The party noted that General Masemola's court appearance is part of a troubling pattern of instability regarding the National Commissioner's office.
To ensure the integrity of the police service, the DA is pushing for the immediate appointment of an Acting National Commissioner. They argue that there is a ample precedent for this move, as previous Presidents have utilised Section 9 of the SAPS Act to address similar leadership crises.
The DA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to a professional and capable police force, asserting that without law and order, South Africa has no viable path to economic growth or justice.