Cyril Ramaphosa places Masemola on precautionary suspension, appoints Dimpane to act

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed national police commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension.

Ramaphosa on Thursday named SAPS divisional commissioner for financial services Puleng Dimpane as the acting national police commissioner.

Ramaphosa said he took this decision given the seriousness of the charges Masemola is facing.

I have agreed with Gen Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case, said Ramaphosa.

To ensure stability and continuity in the South African Police Force, I have appointed Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.

Ramaphosa was joined by acting police minister Firoz Cachalia and his two deputies, Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on police Ian Cameron urged Ramaphosa to act without delay in suspending Masemola in order to protect credibility of SAPS.

The continued hesitation to act decisively is no longer tenable.