News Desk Reporter
Suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will no longer face four charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The National Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered that the charges be withdrawn following a review of the matter.
The charges were linked to the awarding of a South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District.
Masemola was charged in his capacity as the SAPS accounting officer over alleged failures to take appropriate steps to prevent irregular and wasteful expenditure and losses linked to the tender.
The charges followed an investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and Masemola’s subsequent arrest.
National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi ordered the withdrawal after reviewing the evidence and assessments in the matter.
Mothibi considered evidence gathered by IDAC, a report by the Case Assessment Panel and an assessment by independent senior counsel.
The review was conducted under Section 179(5)(c) of the Constitution, read with Section 22(2)(b) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
These provisions allow the National Director of Public Prosecutions to intervene where National Prosecuting Authority policy directives have not been followed.
One of the requirements is that there must be reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution before a matter is enrolled for trial.
After considering the evidence and the various assessments, Mothibi concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against Masemola on the PFMA charges.
The charges have therefore been withdrawn on the instruction of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.