While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step toward accountability, others argue it exposes a deepening leadership crisis within the police. Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane was appointed as acting head of the police on Thursday (23/4).

The president said the newly appointed acting national commissioner will be supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country.

President @CyrilRamaphosa announced the appointment of Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Police Commissioner in a media briefing held earlier today at the Union Buildings.

She brings extensive experience from SAPS and public service. pic.twitter.com/hlSXFUaivm

— The Presidency ???? (@PresidencyZA) April 23, 2026

He had decided in consultation with Gen. Fannie Masemola to place him on precautionary suspension following criminal charges in connection with an irregularly awarded multi-million rand Medicare24 tender.

“The DA welcomes the suspension as it is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the office and to ensure that SAPS can continue to function while due process takes its course,” said DA federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“Suspension alone is not enough. This is not a sign of a healthy police service. It is a sign of an institution in profound crisis at the highest level.”

The president said he was confident that Dimpane had the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the police service during this challenging period.

Dimpane has been in the police service for close to two decades and has experience in policing, strategic management, financial management, and governance.

“This almost feels like a movie now because everyone seems to be acting, and while they’re acting, South Africans are getting absolutely no services,” said ActionSA MP Dereleen James.

“ActionSA is focused on the urgent need to stabilise SAPS management; it cannot continue in its current state where senior officers are embroiled in criminality.”

Meanwhile, the FF Plus welcomed the suspension of Masemola. “The provisional suspension of Masemola confirms how deep the crisis in the police runs, and why public trust in the service has reached an unprecedented low while crime continues to rise,” said MP Wouter Wessels.

“The problem lies with the police’s entire top and senior management; a few changes will not make any real difference, and only a comprehensive clean-up will restore confidence.”

Ramaphosa said Dimpane will lead a police service that, notwithstanding substantial challenges, comprises men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and the cause of justice.

A key area of attention for the acting national commissioner and the police leadership is to urgently address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services.

Meanwhile, the EFF criticised the president’s decision. “The suspension of the national police commissioner is not accountability; it is a cosmetic, taxpayer-funded shield for deep corruption within the state,” said MP Muzi Khoza.

The MK Party believes the top post in the police should go to a career policeman. “She does not have training in key operational areas like crime intelligence and counterintelligence, yet she is now expected to preside over a police service already facing deep internal challenges,” said spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.