'Very relieved': Cachalia welcomes withdrawal of Masemola charges

'Very relieved': Cachalia welcomes withdrawal of Masemola charges Nokuthula Khanyile Wed, 09/16/2026 - 06:00

JOHANNESBURG - Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says he is relieved that the National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn criminal charges against suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Cachalia has also hinted that Masemola could soon return to his position, with a meeting between the suspended commissioner and President Cyril Ramaphosa expected in the near future.

“I’m very happy for General Masemola, very relieved. I always thought that it was unjust to join him in a criminal prosecution,” Cachalia said.

**READ | **NPA to withdraw charges against Fannie Masemola

He said Ramaphosa and Masemola would likely meet shortly, noting that the President appoints the National Police Commissioner.

“And presumably at some point the President will engage with me as well as to his thinking on the way forward,” Cachalia said.

Cachalia’s comments come after National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi decided on Tuesday to withdraw the charges against Masemola.

The decision came after a review of the case found that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against the suspended commissioner.

Masemola had been charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act in connection with the controversial R228-million Medicare24 tender.

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