South Africa President Suspends Police Chief Fannie Masemola After Tuesday Court Charges
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed General Fannie Masemola, the nation's police chief, on "precautionary suspension" after he faced charges in court on Tuesday.
Gen Masemola, 62, stands accused of failing in his oversight responsibilities concerning the award of a controversial £15.5 million health contract. This contract, intended to supply health services to the police by Vusimuzi Matlala's company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024, was cancelled in May 2025 and is now subject to a criminal investigation.
Masemola is charged with four counts of violating South Africa's Public Finance Management Act, which regulates government spending. He told journalists following the hearing that he denied the charges, stating, "I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the [law] must take its course."
President Ramaphosa announced the suspension during a press conference in Pretoria, accompanied by Masemola's replacement, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane. Ramaphosa cited the "seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime" as reasons for the action, which will remain in place until the court case concludes. He emphasised the necessity for law enforcement agencies to be "capable, ethical and effective" and to maintain public confidence.
Masemola is the third South African police chief to face a criminal investigation while in office. His charges stem from revelations made during the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by Ramaphosa last September to investigate corruption within the police force. While Masemola is not accused of corruption, a dozen other senior police officers and businessman Vusimuzi Matlala have been charged with corruption in connection with the same tender. None have yet been asked to enter a plea in court.
