President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the confirmation of criminal charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, as well as his impending court appearance, in a development that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency said Cyril had “noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola and his scheduled court appearance.”
The President also acknowledged a broader crackdown within the police service, noting “the arrests of the 12 senior police officers on a procurement-related matter,” signalling a widening probe into alleged corruption within SAPS ranks.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola and his scheduled court appearance. https://t.co/VSt6A6PyoC
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 25, 2026
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Cyril said he would act in line with legal processes, stating that he “will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law.”
The Presidency emphasised that maintaining stability within the country’s policing structures remains a priority. “The President, working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate,” the statement said.
The charges against Fannie and the arrests of senior officers come amid increasing scrutiny over procurement practices within the police service, raising fresh concerns about governance and accountability in one of the country’s key security institutions.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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