South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed the nation's top police official on precautionary suspension following criminal charges filed in court on Tuesday, according to reports from BBC.
Gen Fannie Masemola, 62, faces allegations of failing in his oversight duties regarding a controversial $21 million (£15.5m) health contract. The contract, intended to provide medical services to the police, has since been cancelled and remains under criminal investigation.
Masemola has been charged with violating the Public Finance Management Act, which regulates the expenditure of taxpayer funds. Speaking to journalists after Tuesday's hearing, Masemola denied the allegations.
"I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the [law] must take its course," Masemola said.
Investigation into police corruption
Ramaphosa announced the suspension during a press briefing in Pretoria, where Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane stood alongside him as Masemola's replacement. The President cited the gravity of the allegations and the essential nature of the commissioner's role in fighting crime as the primary reasons for the move.
According to the BBC, Masemola will remain suspended until the conclusion of his court case.
Ramaphosa emphasized that law enforcement agencies must remain ethical and effective to maintain public confidence. He noted that the suspension is necessary given the seriousness of the charges.
The legal proceedings stem from a tender awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. The contract was cancelled in May 2025.
Since the cancellation, a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged with roles in the awarding of the contract. These officers face accusations of colluding with Matlala, who is also facing corruption charges.
While many of the officers are accused of corruption, Masemola faces four counts of breaching the public finances act but has not been charged with corruption. None of the accused individuals have yet been asked to enter a plea in court.
The allegations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by Ramaphosa last September to investigate corruption within the police force.
