The South African Police Union (SAPU) has called on 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The charges against Masemola were withdrawn last Tuesday at the Pretoria Magistrates Court, following a review that found no reasonable prospects of success in pursuing the case. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, instructed that charges against Masemola be withdrawn.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 since 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 expressed disappointment and shock that Ramaphosa is still considering Masemola’s reinstatement rather than reinstating him immediately. Mabena urged Ramaphosa to reinstate Masemola now, citing that the NDPP and the court have cleared Masemola. The union argued that leaving the police commissioner sidelined amid rampant crime fails to take the country’s safety seriously.
The country is experiencing high levels of crime, including killings, gender-based violence, and femicide. SAPU urged Ramaphosa to take the country’s safety seriously and reinstate Masemola immediately. Mabena stated that the country needs answers, and Ramaphosa must do the right thing by reinstating Masemola.
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. Els explained that leaders want to ensure a stable return to office for Masemola, without the risk of new charges being brought against him.
Els highlighted that no National Police Commissioner has finished their term since Jackie Selebi’s imprisonment, a cycle of instability that leaders are eager to break. He emphasized that Masemola should be reinstated because he has a contract, and if he hasn’t violated any clause in that contract, then legally, he has a lot of ground to stand on to be reinstated.
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, and urged patience for an outcome.
Key points
- SAPU calls for immediate reinstatement of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola
- Charges against Masemola withdrawn due to lack of prospects of success
- Ramaphosa under consideration for Masemola's reinstatement amid rising crime rates
