The South African Police Union (SAPU) has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately reinstate suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, amid rising crime in the country. Masemola was arrested and charged over the alleged irregular awarding of a major police health-services contract valued at R360 million to Medicare24, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The charges against Masemola were withdrawn last Tuesday at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court, following a review that found no reasonable prospects of success in pursuing the case. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, instructed that charges against Masemola be withdrawn. Masemola has expressed eagerness to return to work and serve the country, but acknowledged that he had to wait for his employer.
SAPU deputy national spokesperson Jabu Mabena said the union is disappointed and shocked that Ramaphosa is still considering Masemola’s reinstatement rather than reinstating him immediately. Mabena argued that leaving the police commissioner sidelined amid rampant crime fails to take the country’s safety seriously. The union urges Ramaphosa to reinstate Masemola immediately, citing the need for leadership in addressing the country's safety concerns.
Institute for Security Studies security expert Willem Els suggested that Ramaphosa may be delaying Masemola’s reinstatement to verify whether any further charges are pending, ensuring a stable return to office. Els highlighted that aside from George Fivaz (1994), no national police commissioner has finished their term since Jackie Selebi’s imprisonment — a cycle of instability that leaders are eager to break to restore trust and morale.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has also called for Masemola’s immediate reinstatement so he can continue his work serving the people of South Africa. During a weekend church visit in Gauteng, Ramaphosa said the matter concerning Masemola is under consideration, urging patience for an outcome.
Masemola was initially arrested for the alleged violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). The case centred on a contract awarded to Medicare24, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Key issues surrounding Masemola's reinstatement include the need for stability in the police leadership and addressing the country's rising crime concerns. The SAPU and SACP have emphasized the importance of reinstating Masemola to restore trust and morale in the police force.
Key points
- The South African Police Union has called for the immediate reinstatement of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
- The charges against Masemola were withdrawn due to lack of prospects of success in pursuing the case.
- Ramaphosa is yet to make a decision on Masemola's reinstatement, citing the need for careful consideration.
