Ramaphosa Names General Puleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner As Masemola Is Suspended
- President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed an Acting National Police Commissioner, as General Fannie Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension
- General Masemola faces four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act in relation to a R360 million police tender
- The National Police Commissioner will return to court on 13 May 2026, when he joins Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in the dock
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GAUTENG – South Africa has a new Acting National Police Commissioner.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane would be assuming the duties, as Major General Fannie Masemola has been placed on precautionary suspension.
General Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, is currently facing significant legal challenges. He appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on 21 April 2025, facing four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The charges relate to a R360 million health services tender awarded to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Medicare24 company.
President appoints an Acting National Police Commissioner
Speaking at the Union Buildings on 23 April 2026, President Ramaphosa announced that General Dimpane would be serving as the Acting National Commissioner. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane is the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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Speaking about General Masemola’s situation, the President noted that, considering the seriousness of the charges and the role that the National Commissioner played, he and General Masemola agreed that he should be placed on precautionary suspension until the conclusion of his trial.
Masemola, who has maintained his innocence, is expected to join Matlala and the other co-accused in the dock on 13 May 2026.
Source: Facebook
South Africans discuss Ramaphosa’s decision
Social media users weighed in on Ramaphosa’s decision, sharing mixed reactions to it.
Sir-Lee Mayor Zamula Zikode said:
“Firoz is still acting, now Puleng is going to be acting. Welcome to the acting country.”
Ofentse Jabulani noted:
“A person who's acting gets a salary. A person on suspension also gets a salary. South Africa has a high unemployment rate.”
Alet Schoen Murray agreed:
“With full pay, of course. The person acting also gets paid a good salary. And we, the few taxpayers, are paying.”
Ally Kgomotso Maela expressed concern:
“I just hope Dimpane is not from the other faction. We all know it’s their doing to remove Masemola and put their own in his place and remove Khumalo too.”
Bongani Bee-lucifa Nyembe Ngcobo asked:
“Who is placing Mr Phala Phala on precautionary suspension? Or does the law not work when it comes to him?”
Samkelo Madlopha added:
“The president doesn't take us into his confidence as a country. People with no background in fighting organised crime are being appointed, while we are facing such issues. Instead, someone with a finance background is appointed.”
Union called for Masemola's suspension
Briefly News previously reported that a SAPS union was not happy that the National Police Commissioner was still on duty.
The union's president said that keeping Masemola in office while he is facing criminal charges would create a perception of conflict.
South Africans held different perspectives on whether Masemola should be suspended because of his court case.
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Source: Briefly News
