Acting Police Minister Firox Cachalia has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to reinstate General Fannie Masemola as the national police commissioner.

Ramaphosa announced on Friday that Masemola will resume his full duties on Monday.

Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed that the National Commissioner would be deemed to be on precautionary suspension in April 2026, following the commissioner’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court to face charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) linked to a R360 million SAPS health-services tender awarded to Medicare24.

At the time, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane (SAPS Chief Financial Officer) was appointed as the acting National Police Commissioner during Masemola's suspension.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, ordered the charges against Masemola to be withdrawn last month after a review found no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.

On September 22, the Pretoria Magistrate's Court formally withdrew charges against Masemola.

Cachalia said the ministry remains committed to strengthening the South African Police Service (SAPS) as it continues with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism and accountability, and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa.

“The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the SAPS to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda,” Cachalia said.

He also expressed his appreciation to Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership and dedicated service as Acting National Commissioner during this period.

Source: https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-10-16-acting-police-minister-welcomes-masemolas-return-to-saps-leadership/