Cyril Ramaphosa Breaks Silence on General Fannie Masemola, SA Questions His Continued Suspension
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence on the withdrawal of charges against General Fannie Masemola
- The Deputy National Police Commissioner was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 by Ramaphosa
- Ramaphosa's brief response on Sunday has sparked fierce debate about Masemola's status as National Commissioner
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Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence on the status of Major General Fannie Masemola, after the National Prosecuting Authority dropped charges against the suspended National Police Commissioner.
Speaking on Sunday, 27 September 2026, on the sidelines of an Evangelical Presbyterian Church event at the Alberton Civic Centre in Alberton, Ramaphosa kept his remarks brief.
"The NPA's decision has been noted and the matter is under consideration. Have the patience to wait for an outcome," he said.
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NPA withdraws charges against Masemola
President Ramaphosa suspended Masemola on precautionary grounds in April 2026 following charges linked to the oversight of a R360 million SAPS healthcare tender.
The contract was awarded to Vusimuzi Matlala's Medicare 24 Tshwane before later being cancelled. The NPA formally withdrew all charges on 22 September 2026 after a review determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, previously the South African Police Service's Chief Financial Officer, was appointed Acting National Police Commissioner on 23 April 2026 when the suspension took effect. She continues to serve in the acting capacity while the presidency deliberates on Masemola's future.
Citizens weigh in on delayed decision
Ramaphosa's measured response drew mixed reactions on social media, as some users argued that the withdrawal of charges removed any remaining justification for the suspension.
@kingmoss0 wrote:
"What relevant processes? Masemola was suspended on the strength of charges the NPA has already withdrawn. There is no process left to await. What exactly is under consideration?"
@Fezmond07 echoed the sentiment:
"The National Commissioner was suspended as a result of the charges, so what is he talking about now? Charges withdrawn, so reinstate Masemola."
@Mosuli2102527 was more blunt, stating:
"He was quick to suspend him, but it's hard to reinstate him."
@KuGompo added:
"I think they don't want him back. I mean, what is so difficult? The man has been cleared!"
Not all reactions favoured reinstatement, however.
@Constitution_94 argued against restoring Masemola to the top post, writing:
"If President Cyril Ramaphosa wants to restore the dignity and credibility of SAPS, the last thing he should do is to reinstate a weakling like Fannie Masemola, who will be pulled by the nose by Mkhwanazi. He must give Masemola the responsibility to look after GBV matters. Never make him a Nascom again."
Khusela Sangoni under fire for Masemola comments
The Activists and Citizens Forum accused Khusela Sangoni of shifting blame onto suspended Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
The African National Congress member's remarks came as Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee continued deliberating its draft report on alleged criminality within SAPS.
Briefly News reported that the Member of Parliament took to X to defend herself, clarifying that the party made no recommendation for further action against Masemola.
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Source: Briefly News
