President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially lifted the suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
South Africa’s top police official is coming back to work after months away from his desk.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially lifted the suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. The President made the announcement on Friday, bringing an end to a stressful six-month wait for the country’s top cop.
General Masemola will walk back into his office and pick up his duties full-time starting this Monday, 19 October 2026.
The story began back in April 2026 when General Masemola stepped aside. He had appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to public money management. Rather than cause a big scene or disrupt the police force, President Ramaphosa and Masemola agreed that he would take a temporary leave while the court system did its work.
For months, the case hung over the Commissioner’s head while South Africans waited to see what would happen next.
That cloud finally cleared in mid-September. The National Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the matter and gave clear instructions on 15 September that all charges against General Masemola should be dropped. A week later, on 22 September 2026, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court made it official and formally withdrew the case. With no legal troubles left in his way, the path was clear for his return.
President Ramaphosa warmly welcomed General Masemola back to his role, expressing relief that the matter is now fully resolved. He also took time to say a big thank you to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, who quietly stepped up to lead the police service during this uncertain time. The President praised Dimpane for serving the nation with great dedication while holding down the fort.
Now, as Monday approaches, the police leadership gets back to normal. South Africans will be watching closely as General Masemola steps back into the captain’s seat to lead the country’s fight against crime.