By OBAKENG MAJE

16 October 2026 – The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to lift the precautionary suspension of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, following the formal withdrawal of charges against him. In a statement issued on Friday, Cachalia said the decision paves the way for Masemola to return to his duties as head of the country’s police service.

Cachalia also expressed his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her professionalism, leadership and dedicated service while serving as acting National Commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the SAPS through the Police Reset Agenda, which focuses on promoting professionalism, accountability and ensuring that the police service remains committed to its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa.

“The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the SAPS to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda.

“The Ministry said it remains committed to advancing reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the police service and ensuring that the organisation fulfils its responsibilities effectively,” he said.

Cachalia further said Masemola’s return is expected to allow SAPS leadership to continue focusing on operational priorities and the broader efforts to build a professional and accountable police service.

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