South Africa’s President Suspends Police Chief Over Tender Case
President Cyril Ramaphosa, moving decisively amid scrutiny of police procurement, has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act for allegedly failing to properly oversee a contested $21...
President Cyril Ramaphosa, moving decisively amid scrutiny of police procurement, has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act for allegedly failing to properly oversee a contested $21 million police health services contract. He has denied the allegations.
The charges are tied to a 2024 tender awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24 Tshwane District to provide health services to police officers. The contract was terminated a year later, in May 2025, and a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged over its award.
- Advertisement -
Ramaphosa said he acted due to “the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime.” He has appointed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.