South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted Fannie Masemola’s suspension, allowing the national police commissioner to return to duty on 19 October 2026….reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, allowing him to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026. The decision follows the withdrawal of criminal charges against Masemola, which led to his suspension in April.
Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed that the police chief would be placed on precautionary suspension after he appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face charges relating to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
The charges were subsequently withdrawn following instructions issued by the National Director of Public Prosecutions on 15 September 2026. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges against Masemola on 22 September.
With the legal proceedings concluded through the withdrawal of the charges, Masemola is now set to return to his position as head of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In a statement issued on Friday, 16 October, the presidency confirmed the decision and welcomed Masemola’s return to his full duties.
Ramaphosa also expressed his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who served as Acting National Police Commissioner during Masemola’s absence.
The president acknowledged Dimpane’s service, saying she had carried out the responsibilities of the acting position with distinction.
Masemola’s return ends a period in which Dimpane led the national police service while the commissioner remained on precautionary suspension.
The development follows the legal process initiated after Masemola’s appearance in court earlier this year. His suspension was agreed in April 2026, while the charges were still pending.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently instructed that the charges be withdrawn in September, before the court formally removed them later that month.
Masemola is scheduled to resume his full responsibilities on 19 October, according to the presidency’s announcement.
