Suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, for the official withdrawal of charges against him. The country's top cop was added as an accused in a multi-million-rand tender corruption case involving alleged crime boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) found that there were no prospects of success in Masemola's prosecution, leading to the withdrawal of charges.
Masemola made a brief appearance in court, after which he walked out of the dock ready to resume his role as national police commissioner. He expressed relief but stated that he had not considered suing the state for his prosecution that led to his precautionary suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The withdrawal of charges comes as a significant development in Masemola's career, which was put on hold due to the allegations.
The corruption case involves a multi-million-rand tender and alleged crime boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Masemola was added as an accused in the case, but the NPA's review found that there were no prospects of success in his prosecution. This decision led to the withdrawal of charges against him. The case is ongoing, with the NPA confirming the prosecution of all remaining accused.
The NPA's decision to withdraw charges against Masemola was based on a thorough review of the case. The authority found that there was no sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. As a result, the charges against Masemola were withdrawn, and he is set to return to his role as national police commissioner.
Masemola's prosecution is being investigated by Judge Takalani Raulinga to determine the reasons behind the decision to charge him. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the prosecution and whether due process was followed. This inquiry comes as a result of concerns raised about the handling of the case.
The withdrawal of charges against Masemola has significant implications for his career and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Masemola's suspension was a result of the allegations against him, and his reinstatement is expected to bring stability to the organization. The SAPS has stated that arrested senior cops won't be shielded from accountability.
The case is ongoing, with other accused individuals still facing prosecution. The NPA has confirmed that it will continue to pursue the case against the remaining accused, including Tsakane Matlala, who was nabbed over suspected fraud charges. The investigation into the tender corruption case is ongoing, with the SIU conducting raids at the private security regulator's premises.
Key points
- Fannie Masemola's charges were withdrawn due to lack of evidence
- Masemola has not considered suing the state for wrongful prosecution
- The NPA is investigating the reasons behind Masemola's prosecution
