WATCH | ‘I’m not here for revenge’: Masemola sets out priorities on return

Masemola

Johannesburg – South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner Fannie Masemola has vowed to prioritise unity, accountability and crime-fighting over internal divisions as he returned to office on Monday, following the withdrawal of criminal charges that led to his six-month precautionary suspension.

“I return ready to work with all of you. I’m not here to avenge or revenge,” Masemola said on his first day back at the helm of the police service.

Masemola called on senior police officials to end divisions and mistrust, saying the organisation could not fulfil its constitutional mandate if personal interests and internal disputes took precedence over public safety.

“We cannot build a strong police service on divisions, mistrust or competing personal interests,” he said, adding that professional solidarity, effective leadership and mutual respect were essential to restoring public confidence.

His return follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to lift his precautionary suspension, announced on October 16, after prosecutors withdrew charges against him linked to a R228 million police healthcare contract.

Masemola had been accused of failing to comply with financial oversight and procurement controls relating to the contract awarded to Medicare24. He denied the allegations.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions ordered the charges withdrawn on September 15, and the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court formalised the withdrawal on September 22.

Masemola’s return comes as the police service faces continued scrutiny over allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration of law enforcement, including issues being examined by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

He said SAPS would focus on strengthening frontline policing, improving police station services, recruiting officers and directing resources to communities that need them most.

“Our most important measure of success is the experience of the public at a police station and in communities where they need immediate assistance,” he said, according to The Citizen.

Masemola was also expected to meet provincial and divisional police commissioners on his return, with about five months remaining in his term.

His reinstatement restores the police service’s permanent national leadership after Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane served as acting commissioner during his suspension.

Masemola said the priority was now to unite the organisation, improve its performance and rebuild public confidence while ensuring that accountability and institutional reform remained central to its work.

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