SA police chief returns after suspension over graft case

JOHANNESBURG – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the suspension of the national police chief after prosecutors dropped charges against him in a corruption case, the presidency said Friday.

Ramaphosa suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in April after the top cop was implicated in a US$20-million health tender scandal.

Masemola was accused of flouting procurement laws in a since-cancelled 2024 police tender for health services awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is suspected of links to organised crime.

But a court in the capital Pretoria dismissed the case against Masemola last month after prosecutors recommended dropping charges against him.

Ramaphosa has cleared the police chief to “resume his full duties” on Monday, the president’s office said.

In July 2025, Ramaphosa launched a judicial commission to investigate corruption in the criminal justice system.

Widely followed on live TV, the hearings have led to the suspension of police minister Senzo Mchunu and more than 10 high-ranking officers.

It is due to submit its final report in January.

*– Nampa/AFP *

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