Masemola Removed as Police Commissioner, Replaced by Dimpane

(The Post News) – President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension following his appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act.

“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address on Thursday.

Masemola is accused of negligence during his tenure as the police’s chief financial officer, allegedly allowing the irregular awarding of a R360 million contract to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and his medical services company, Medicare24.

He has been jointly charged alongside Matlala, 12 police officials, and three company directors. The case is scheduled to return to court on 13 May.

Dimpane Replaces Masemola

Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting national police commissioner. Dimpane currently serves as divisional commissioner for financial management services and chief financial officer within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the South African Police Service during this challenging period,” Ramaphosa said.

The president acknowledged that SAPS is facing a challenging period, particularly as the Madlanga Commission continues to expose corruption and drive restructuring efforts.

“A key area of attention for the acting national police commissioner and the police leadership as a whole is to urgently address weaknesses in the procurement system for goods and services in the police service,” Ramaphosa said.

He noted that findings from the Zondo Commission revealed procurement processes to be central to widespread corruption and fraud.

Ramaphosa said the minister of police will support SAPS leadership in strengthening procurement systems and insulating them from manipulation. These efforts will feed into broader public sector procurement reforms announced during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending.

He reiterated that his February SONA prioritises intensifying the fight against organised crime, corruption, and violence.

“For this fight to be successful, it is vital that our law enforcement agencies are capable, ethical and effective. They must have the full confidence of the people of South Africa,” he said.

New leadership in organised crime fight

Following the state capture commission, the government has taken steps to uncover and investigate wrongdoing within the police service. Ramaphosa highlighted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission to probe allegations of police collusion with organised crime.

He added that the justice, crime and security cluster has made progress in strengthening leadership, including appointing KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as head of the new organised crime police unit.