The suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has been welcomed across the political spectrum, with parties and civil society organisations expressing hope that it marks the beginning of a concerted effort to restore law and order and credibility within the police service.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Masemola’s precautionary suspension at a briefing at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday afternoon, appointing Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting National Police Commissioner.

The suspension follows Masemola’s court appearance on Tuesday on four charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act linked to the irregular awarding of a R228 million contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Ramaphosa said it was vital that the public has trust in the people that the government has appointed, and that it is vital for law enforcement and security agencies of the country to be capable and effective and to have the public restore their trust in them and to restore the rule of law.

The Democratic Alliance, ActionSA and Rise Mzansi welcomed the suspension as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the office and to ensure that the police service can continue to function whilst due process takes its course.

DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the suspension was necessary but called on Ramaphosa to now move swiftly to establish a board of inquiry in terms of Section 9 of the South African Police Service Act into Masemola’s fitness to hold office.

“At a time when violent crime continues to terrorise communities, when organised criminal networks are deeply entrenched, and when public confidence in policing is fragile, the office of the National Commissioner must be beyond reproach,” said Hill-Lewis.

The chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said he was glad the step had been taken and that it was important for the integrity of the institution.

“This is what institutional collapse looks like. When those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves embroiled in controversy, public confidence is destroyed and criminals are emboldened,” said Cameron.

He said accountability is critical to restoring public trust and reiterated the committee’s call for urgent lifestyle audits across the police service.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said the suspension was, under the circumstances, unavoidable, noting that it is deeply troubling that the head of the country’s police service has appeared in court alongside an individual alleged to be linked to criminal syndicates.

“Regardless of the legal presumption of innocence, the mere fact of such proceedings irreparably undermines the integrity, credibility, and authority of the office,” Saftu said.

The union called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into all allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission, immediate strengthening of vetting and lifestyle audits, and the removal and prosecution of all officials implicated in criminal activity.

The Freedom Front Plus welcomed the suspension but raised concerns about the appointment of Dimpane as acting commissioner, noting that she served as chief financial officer during financial irregularities at the police service.

FF Plus national chairperson Wouter Wessels said the problem lies with the police’s entire top and senior management and that individual changes will make no real difference.

“There will have to be deep cuts without delay in a total cleanup action. Police officers who are above suspicion and actually act in the interest of the country’s security and not for their own gain, must be appointed,” said Wessels.

ActionSA said whilst it supports decisive action to protect the integrity of the police service, the repeated reactive interventions point to a deeper failure of leadership and oversight.

ActionSA MP Dereleen James said the continued reliance on acting appointments in critical positions such as the police minister and the national commissioner undermines stability within the police service.

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Civil rights organisation AfriForum described Masemola’s suspension as the shameful result of the long-standing systemic decline of the police service, noting that he joins the ranks of many of his predecessors who were forced to leave office due to corruption, misconduct, fraud and incompetence.

Dimpane, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the police service, brings extensive experience in financial management and internal auditing to her new role.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has indicated he will appoint an interim governance council to reset and restore credibility in the police service.

The charges against Masemola fall under Section 38 of the PFMA, which relates to the responsibilities of accounting officers in ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. The charges stem from a broader R360 million health services tender scandal that has rocked the police service since 2024.

Masemola is expected to appear again before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 13 May alongside 16 other co-accused, including Matlala.

Charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering have also been brought against the other accused in the case.

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