Ramaphosa reinstates Fannie Masemola as national police commissioner

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reinstated the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola.

Ramaphosa announced on Friday that Masemola will resume his full duties on Monday, October 19.

Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed that the National Commissioner be deemed to be on precautionary suspension in April 2026, following the commissioner’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has uplifted the cautionary suspension of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola, to resume his full duties on Monday 19 October, 2026.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions issued instructions on 15 September 2026 that charges against the National Commissioner be withdrawn. On 22 September 2026, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew charges against General Masemola.