‘Professionalism and accountability’: Cachalia sets tone for Masemola’s return

Pretoria – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to lift the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola following the formal withdrawal of charges against him.

Ramaphosa lifted Masemola’s suspension on Friday, paving the way for him to resume his duties on Monday, 19 October.

The decision brings Masemola’s six-month absence from the helm of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to an end. He was suspended in April following his court appearance on charges linked to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The charges stemmed from alleged failures to adequately oversee a controversial SAPS health-services contract awarded to Medicare24, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on 15 September that the charges would be withdrawn after a review found insufficient grounds to pursue a successful prosecution.

National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi said: “Enrolling a case for prosecution where evidence is not sufficient to sustain a successful prosecution is not in the public interest.”

In a statement, Cachalia welcomed the president’s decision to lift Masemola’s suspension “following the formal withdrawal of charges against him”.

He said Masemola’s return would allow SAPS leadership to refocus on its operational priorities and efforts to strengthen the organisation.

Cachalia also thanked Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as acting national commissioner during Masemola’s suspension, for her “professionalism, leadership and dedicated service”.

The acting minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Police’s commitment to strengthening the police service through the government’s Police Reset Agenda, which seeks to promote professionalism and accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the South African Police Service as we continue with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism, accountability and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa,” Cachalia said.

He added that Masemola’s return presented an opportunity for police leadership to maintain its focus on operational priorities and continue building a professional, capable and trusted service.