SACP Calls For Masemola’s Immediate Return As Police Commissioner
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has called for the immediate reinstatement of General Fannie Masemola as National Police Commissioner following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ordered the withdrawal of four charges against Masemola after NDPP Advocate Andy Mothibi reviewed the case and concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The charges were formally withdrawn in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 22 September.
The charges related to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with the SAPS-Medicare24 health-services tender awarded to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The NPA said Mothibi considered evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a Case Assessment Panel report and an assessment by independent senior counsel before ordering the withdrawal. The authority also said the circumstances surrounding the prosecution would be examined to determine whether any misconduct occurred.
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April, shortly after his court appearance. Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has been serving as acting national police commissioner. The withdrawal of the criminal charges does not automatically end Masemola’s suspension, with his return ultimately requiring a decision by the President.
Masemola has indicated that he is ready to return to his post. Speaking outside court after the charges were withdrawn, he described the past few months as a “painful road” and said he would be ready to resume his duties if called back.
The SACP is now calling for the President to restore Masemola to his position and has raised broader concerns about the handling of the case and the criminal justice system.
The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has also previously called on Ramaphosa to bring Masemola back, with the union maintaining that there was no basis for his continued suspension after the charges were withdrawn.
The withdrawal has also drawn renewed
SACP Calls For Masemola’s Immediate Return As Police Commissioner
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has called for the immediate reinstatement of General Fannie Masemola as National Police Commissioner following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ordered the withdrawal of four charges against Masemola after NDPP Advocate Andy Mothibi reviewed the case and concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The charges were formally withdrawn in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 22 September.
The charges related to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with the SAPS-Medicare24 health-services tender awarded to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The NPA said Mothibi considered evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a Case Assessment Panel report and an assessment by independent senior counsel before ordering the withdrawal. The authority also said the circumstances surrounding the prosecution would be examined to determine whether any misconduct occurred.
Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April, shortly after his court appearance. Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has been serving as acting national police commissioner. The withdrawal of the criminal charges does not automatically end Masemola’s suspension, with his return ultimately requiring a decision by the President.
Masemola has indicated that he is ready to return to his post. Speaking outside court after the charges were withdrawn, he described the past few months as a “painful road” and said he would be ready to resume his duties if called back.
The SACP is now calling for the President to restore Masemola to his position and has raised broader concerns about the handling of the case and the criminal justice system.
The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has also previously called on Ramaphosa to bring Masemola back, with the union maintaining that there was no basis for his continued suspension after the charges were withdrawn.
The withdrawal has also drawn renewed