Ramaphosa suspends Masemola amid corruption charges

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, on precautionary suspension, amid mounting pressure over charges linked to a controversial police tender.

Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with a multi-million rand SAPS contract awarded to a company linked to alleged crime figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

He is expected back in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 13 May alongside Matlala and 12 other accused.

In a national address on Thursday, Ramaphosa said his decision reaffirms the Presidency’s commitment to restoring integrity within the South African Police Service (SAPS), a priority he reiterated during his State of the Nation Address.  

Ramaphosa said it was a mutual agreement with Masemola in light of the “seriousness of the charges” and the importance of the national commissioner stepping aside until the finalisation of his court case. 

President Ramaphosa announced that Lieutenant-General, Puleng Dimpane, will serve as the acting national police commissioner. 

Dimpane, who is the current divisional commissioner for the Financial Management Service within SAPS, has served in the police service for nearly two decades.

The President described her as a steady hand during a turbulent time.

 “Lieutenant-General Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity… I am confident she has the standing to provide effective leadership during this challenging period,” he said.

However her appointment has already sparked debate, with the SAPS still facing ongoing scrutiny over corruption and alleged criminal infiltration.

Dimpane previously testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee last year, and insisted that she had no involvement in any wrongdoing, linked to corruption within the service.

Ramaphosa also signalled a broader clean-up of the police service, identifying procurement as a key vulnerability.

“Procurement has been identified as a source of corruption… police leadership must now undertake to insulate these processes from any form of manipulation,” he said, citing findings from the Zondo and Madlanga Commissions.

“To ensure stability and continuity in the SAPS, I have appointed Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.”

Statement by President @CyrilRamaphosa on the position of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Union Buildings,… pic.twitter.com/hwoPJLb5bt

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 23, 2026