Police chief Fannie Masemola suspended as President Cyril Ramaphosa faces stress to sort out corruption forward of polls.
Revealed On 23 Apr 2026
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the nationwide police chief after he was charged with breaking finance legal guidelines over the awarding of a healthcare contract.
Nationwide Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was suspended on Thursday within the latest scandal to hit South Africa’s police force. Ramaphosa is below growing stress to stamp out corruption earlier than voting in native elections begins in November.
Really helpful Tales
listing of three gadgetsfinish of listing
The police minister, nationwide commissioner and his deputy have all now been suspended or positioned on depart in a uncommon focus of upheaval on the high of the pressure.
Masemola is accused of flouting procurement legal guidelines within the awarding of a 360-million-rand ($21.7m) police tender for well being companies to the corporate Medicare24. The agency is run by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who’s suspected of hyperlinks to organised crime. The contract has since been cancelled.
Prosecutors alleged Medicare24 colluded with police officers to safe the tender to offer well being companies to the police. Matlala obtained funds of slightly greater than 50 million rand ($3.03m) earlier than the contract was cancelled.
Masemola briefly appeared in court docket on Tuesday to face 4 counts of violating the Public Finance Act, however the case was postponed to Might 13. He has denied the accusations.
“In consideration of the seriousness of those fees and the essential position that the nationwide commissioner of police performs, … I’ve agreed with Common Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa informed journalists.
The police’s chief monetary officer, Lieutenant Common Puleng Dimpane, will function performing commissioner, Ramaphosa stated, describing her as having a “status for professionalism and integrity”.
Slew of corruption scandals
Masemola’s suspension follows wide-ranging allegations of corruption within the felony justice system that have been revealed by a fee of inquiry appointed by Ramaphosa final 12 months.
The fee was arrange in July after a senior police official alleged corruption and political interference had compromised felony investigations. In consequence, Ramaphosa put former police minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence.
The Masemola case added to a slew of corruption scandals which have eroded public belief in South Africa’s ruling coalition earlier than the municipal elections, through which its dealing with of graft might be a key problem for voters.
