President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of General Fannie Masemola, clearing the way for the National Commissione of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026.

The decision ends a six-month absence from office that began after Masemola faced criminal charges linked to a controversial police healthcare tender.

How the suspension began

Masemola has led the SAPS since March 2022. In April 2026, he appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The charges related to alleged failures of financial oversight and procurement controls in the awarding of a multimillion-rand health-services contract to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company associated with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Estimates of the contract's value ranged between R228 million and R360 million. The tender later featured prominently in the Madlanga Commission, which is examining allegations that criminal networks infiltrated parts of South Africa's law-enforcement and justice systems.

Masemola denied the allegations. Given the seriousness of the charges and the pivotal role of the National Commissioner, President Ramaphosa and Masemola agreed that he would be placed on precautionary suspension. Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, then SAPS Chief Financial Officer, was appointed Acting National Commissioner.

Charges  withdrawn

On 15 September 2026, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi instructed that the charges against Masemola be withdrawn. A review of the evidence, gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), found no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The Pretoria Magistrates' Court formally recorded the withdrawal on 22 September.

Official reaction

In a statement issued on 16 October, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had uplifted the suspension. The President welcomed Masemola's return and thanked Lieutenant-General Dimpane for serving “with distinction” in the interim.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also welcomed the decision. He praised Dimpane's leadership and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to the Police Reset Agenda, which prioritises professionalism, accountability and the SAPS's constitutional duty to protect and serve. Cachalia said Masemola's return would allow the police leadership to maintain focus on operational priorities.

What comes next

The withdrawal of the charges against Masemola did not automatically restore him to office; that decision rested with the President. With the suspension now lifted, Masemola returns to lead the SAPS at a time when the service continues to confront high crime levels, organisational reform and public confidence challenges.

Separate investigations into the Medicare24 tender and related matters involving other individuals remain ongoing.

General Fannie Masemola is expected to resume his duties as National Commissioner on Monday, 19 October 2026.