South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reinstated National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola after prosecutors dropped charges linked to a controversial police contract.
Masemola will return to work on Monday, October 19, following six months of precautionary suspension.
According to Africanews, Ramaphosa announced the decision on Friday, October 16, after prosecutors concluded that the case against Masemola was unlikely to succeed.
The decision allows the police commissioner to resume his duties while a wider investigation into alleged corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement system continues.
Why was South Africa’s police chief suspended?
Masemola faced allegations that he failed to follow public finance and procurement rules.
The case involved a police health services contract worth nearly $14 million.
Authorities awarded the contract to a company owned by Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who has faced allegations of involvement in organised crime.
However, officials later cancelled the contract after identifying irregularities.
Prosecutors accused Masemola of failing to follow financial oversight procedures linked to the deal.
As a result, authorities placed him on precautionary suspension while the legal process continued.
Prosecutors withdraw charges against Masemola
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority reviewed the case and withdrew the charges in September.
The review found that prosecutors had no reasonable prospect of securing a conviction.
Shortly afterwards, a court in Pretoria formally withdrew the case.
The decision ended the criminal proceedings against Masemola in relation to the charges reported.
However, the withdrawal does not establish that every concern surrounding the original contract has been resolved.
Corruption inquiry continues in South Africa
The controversial contract has also attracted attention from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The commission is investigating allegations that criminal networks have gained influence within parts of South Africa’s police and justice system.
The inquiry covers broader concerns about corruption and interference in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the cancelled police contract remains one of the matters that has drawn public attention.
The commission’s wider investigation is separate from the criminal charges previously brought against Masemola.
Police commissioner to return on Monday
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia welcomed Ramaphosa’s decision to reinstate the commissioner.
He said the move would allow police leadership to maintain its focus on operational priorities.
Masemola is expected to resume his responsibilities on Monday, October 19.
His return comes as South Africa continues to examine allegations of corruption and criminal influence within its law enforcement institutions.