Yasmin Bilal
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has returned to work after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension.
He has pledged to strengthen frontline policing and improve the SAPS’s ability to fight crime.
Addressing the media today, the commissioner said his priority was to unite the organisation and improve its service to the public.
“The SAPS is bigger than any one person, and our constitutional mandate must always take precedence over personal interests, internal differences and individual circumstances,” he said.
His suspension was lifted after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges related to the SAPS Medicare24 healthcare tender. They concerned alleged failures in his duties as the service’s accounting officer, including oversight of the procurement.
The NPA ordered the withdrawal after finding there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September.
The commissioner thanked Ramaphosa for lifting his suspension. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, children and members of the public who supported him during the difficult period.
He said the experience had reinforced the importance of due process, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
“My focus is on leadership, institutional renewal, and improving the capacity of the SAPS to deliver measurable results in the fight against crime,” he said.
He called on senior police management to work together, warning that internal divisions and personal interests could undermine the service.
He also acknowledged Lieutenant-General Dimpane, who served as acting national commissioner during his absence. A formal handover report will cover operational priorities, progress and outstanding matters.
Improving police stations is another priority. The commissioner said frontline officers needed adequate vehicles, equipment, technology and personnel to do their jobs effectively.
He said recruitment of new police trainees would begin soon, while efforts to fill vacant posts would be guided by operational needs. Improving response times and addressing staffing shortages would also be important.
With local government elections approaching, he said he would seek a Crime Intelligence briefing on attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates.
“We will act decisively against political violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct. The SAPS will remain impartial: no political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear,” he said.
He urged political parties and their supporters to respect opposing views and resolve differences peacefully.
As the festive season approaches, the SAPS will intensify operations against gender-based violence and femicide, murder, robbery, sexual offences, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime.
The plans include increased police visibility and road safety enforcement, with targeted operations at shopping centres, transport facilities, entertainment areas, tourist destinations and identified crime hotspots.
The commissioner also addressed police morale and discipline. He said corruption, abuse of authority and unprofessional conduct must be dealt with firmly and fairly. Members who serve with integrity must be supported and recognised.
The SAPS will also consider relevant recommendations from the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, to address weaknesses and strengthen accountability.
He said restoring public confidence would depend on professional conduct and consistent results.
“To every member of the SAPS, the task before us is to unite our organisation, strengthen frontline capacity, confront crime decisively and rebuild public confidence through consistent action,” he said.