Ramaphosa and Masemola had agreed that the national commissioner would be placed on precautionary suspension in April 2026, following his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The National Director of Public Prosecutions issued instructions on 15 September for the charges against Masemola to be withdrawn. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.

Masemola faced four counts of contravening the PFMA over his alleged failure to oversee the awarding of a R360m Medicare24 contract. Approximately R50m had reportedly been paid before he cancelled the contract after an internal report identified irregularities.

He was formally charged on 16 April by the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), and became the 17th co-accused in the criminal case involving alleged Big 5 cartel leader Vusimuzi (Cat) Matlala. 

The charges were withdrawn after NPA head Andy Mothibi ordered a review of the case.

Following the court proceedings, Masemola said he had not considered suing the state and was ready to return to his position as national police commissioner.

Acting minister of police Firoz Cachalia welcomed the decision to reinstate Masemola and expressed appreciation to Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership, and dedicated service as acting national commissioner during his suspension.

“The ministry remains committed to strengthening the police service as we continue with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa.”

The return of the national commissioner provides an opportunity for police leadership to maintain its focus on operational priorities and continue efforts to build a professional, capable, and trusted police service under the Police Reset Agenda, said ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi.

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