South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reinstated National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, allowing him to resume his duties on Monday, October 19, following the withdrawal of criminal charges linked to a controversial police healthcare contract worth hundreds of millions of rand.
Cyril Ramaphosa announced the decision, bringing an end to Masemola’s precautionary suspension after the Police Chief appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court over alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges related to a South African Police Service (SAPS) healthcare tender awarded to Medicare24, a company associated with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Masemola’s reinstatement follows a decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw the charges after reviewing the evidence and determining that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
“President Ramaphosa welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties and expresses his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served with distinction as Acting National Police Commissioner in the interim.”
Spokesperson to the President
Charges Withdrawn After Prosecution Review
Masemola’s suspension followed his appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in April 2026 to face charges relating to alleged failures to comply with public-finance and procurement requirements in the awarding of the Medicare24 healthcare contract.
The allegations centred on his responsibilities under the PFMA, including compliance with financial oversight and procurement controls. Masemola denied the charges.
The contract, awarded to Medicare24 to provide healthcare services to police personnel, came under wider scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and irregularities in police procurement. Matlala and other accused persons face separate allegations relating to corruption, fraud and money laundering in connection with the tender.
The matter also became one of the issues examined in the Madlanga Commission, established to investigate allegations that criminal networks had infiltrated parts of South Africa’s law-enforcement and criminal justice systems.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, instructed prosecutors on September 15 to withdraw the charges against Masemola after reviewing evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, a Case Assessment Panel report and an assessment by independent senior counsel.
The NPA concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against the police chief. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on September 22.
However, the withdrawal did not immediately end Masemola’s suspension. His return remained under consideration by the President, prompting questions about the continued restrictions despite the prosecution’s decision.
The NPA has also referred aspects of the prosecution’s handling for further scrutiny to establish whether there was any misconduct in assessing the evidence, deciding to enrol the case and applying the law. That process remains separate from the withdrawal of the charges against Masemola.
Political Pressure Mounts for Commissioner’s Return
Masemola’s reinstatement follows calls from political parties and organised labour for the President to restore him to office after the charges were withdrawn.
The MK Party, the African Transformation Movement (ATM), the South African Police Union and the South African Communist Party were among those calling for his return.
The ATM questioned the legal basis for keeping the commissioner suspended after the prosecution had abandoned the case, while other voices argued that the withdrawal of the charges should prompt a reassessment of his status.
The continued suspension had raised questions about the distinction between the criminal proceedings against Masemola and the administrative decision to remove him temporarily from his position.
Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed to the precautionary suspension in April, with Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, then the SAPS Chief Financial Officer, appointed to oversee the police service as acting national commissioner.
The President’s latest announcement resolves the immediate question of Masemola’s return to the top police post.
Medicare24 Tender Investigation Leaves Questions Unresolved
Although Masemola’s charges have been withdrawn, the wider Medicare24 tender controversy remains under scrutiny, with separate allegations against other accused persons still to be resolved.
The contract attracted attention over allegations that Medicare24 colluded with police officials to secure the healthcare services deal. Prosecutors have alleged that Matlala received payments exceeding R50 million before the contract was cancelled.
Matlala and 15 others have been accused of corruption, fraud and money laundering in connection with the matter. Those allegations are separate from the PFMA charges previously brought against Masemola, and the withdrawal of his charges does not determine the outcome of proceedings involving the other accused.
The controversy has also fed into wider investigations into alleged corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The Madlanga Commission was established after a senior police official raised allegations that criminal syndicates had penetrated law-enforcement structures and compromised investigations.
Ramaphosa’s decision to reinstate Masemola restores the commissioner to his leadership position, but it does not close the broader questions surrounding the healthcare tender or the handling of the prosecution.
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