President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the reinstatement of suspended national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola is being considered following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Ramaphosa made these comments on the sidelines of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa's 150th anniversary celebrations in Gauteng. He urged the public to exercise patience and wait for a decision on Masemola's reinstatement.
The NPA withdrew four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) against Masemola in the Pretoria magistrate's court. These charges were related to his alleged responsibilities as the accounting officer in connection with a controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) health-care tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. The tender was valued at approximately R228m.
The NPA's decision to withdraw the charges was made after national director of public prosecutions advocate Andy Mothibi reviewed the evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) and reports from a case assessment panel and independent senior counsel. Mothibi concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against Masemola on the PFMA charges.
Ramaphosa placed Masemola on suspension after criminal charges were brought against him in connection with the tender. However, the withdrawal of the charges does not automatically lift Masemola's suspension. Ramaphosa must make a separate decision before Masemola can return to his position as national police commissioner.
Masemola expressed his readiness to return to work, describing the past five months as painful. He stated that if President Ramaphosa calls him tomorrow, he will be at the office and energetic to go back to work. The broader criminal case relating to the Medicare24 contract continues against other accused, who face corruption charges.
The NPA has announced that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the prosecution team's assessment of the evidence, the enrolment of the case, and the application of the law. Mothibi will report the matter to the Idac judge and make the case assessment panel report available for the investigation.
The SAPS health-care tender, worth approximately R360m, has been the subject of controversy. While Masemola's PFMA charges have been withdrawn, the outcome of his reinstatement remains uncertain. Ramaphosa has urged patience, and a decision on Masemola's reinstatement is expected in due course.
Key points
- President Cyril Ramaphosa says decision on Gen Fannie Masemola's reinstatement as national police commissioner is under consideration.
- The NPA withdrew four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) against Masemola.
- Masemola's suspension remains in place pending a separate decision by Ramaphosa.
