General Fannie Masemola Reinstated As National Police Commissioner After Six Months on Suspension
- President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the suspension of National Police Commissioner Major General Fannie Masemola
- General Masemola had been on precautionary suspension after facing charges related to the Public Finance Management Act
- South Africans took to social media to welcome the news, with some questioning why it had taken so long
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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 lifted the suspension of South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, Major General Fannie Masemola.
The news was confirmed on 16 October 2026, with General Masemola set to resume full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026. The news sparked an immediate public reaction, with some questioning why the President waited so long.
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General Masemola's six-month suspension
The National Commissioner was placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026 after he appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates' Court to face charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act.
The charges were related to a tender awarded to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. At the time, both President Ramaphosa and Masemola agreed to the suspension arrangement while the legal process unfolded.
During his absence, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane served as Acting National Commissioner.
On 15 September 2026, the National Director of Public Prosecutions instructed that charges against Masemola be withdrawn. A week later, on 22 September 2026, the Pretoria Magistrates' Court formally withdrew the charges, clearing the way for his reinstatement.
South Africans react to the news
The announcement sparked a flurry of responses on X, with opinions ranging from relief to questions about the delay.
@Nonhlan23097804 wrote:
"Hallelujah! It's about time."
@OMosiane commented:
"Good news. Now I can rest assured that criminals and police will never be friends, as my beloved Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi once said."
@khethiwesj questioned the timeline, asking:
"Siyabonga. But what took so long?"
@700jhbguard was less than impressed, writing:
"Suspended one week, uplifted the next. Viva. I honestly can't keep up anymore with who's actually running our police service."
@dave_ramatlo welcomed Masemola's return:
"Ayeye, the General is back."
@lindanie_phewa added:
"Let the beautiful game begin."
General Masemola eager to resume duties
Briefly News also highlighted facts about General Masemola being eager to return to duty after the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew all charges against him.
Masemola described his five-month legal ordeal as “a very painful road” and said he would not wish the experience on anyone.
He indicated that his return depended on his employer, and that he was yet to discuss reinstatement with the Presidency.
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Source: Briefly News
