President Cyril Ramaphosa must make an important decision regarding National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola, who is embroiled in a criminal case linked to a police scandal.
The clock is ticking for President Cyril Ramaphosa as he considers the fate of National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola. With Masemola now embroiled in a criminal case linked to a scandal involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the President's next move is under intense scrutiny.
On Wednesday, April 22, presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed to Daily Maverick that an announcement would be made once the President made his decision, although he did not give any specific timeline.
The President's decision is likely to be an important indicator of his position in relation to the internal conflict and factionalism currently destabilizing the SAPS, ultimately revealing which side of the power struggle he wishes to support.
In this, Masemola can be sent on leave or even suspended, and any other police officer can be assigned the responsibility of acting in his post.
If this happens, it will mean that South Africa will have an acting National Police Commissioner and an acting Police Minister.
Firoz Cachalia was appointed to the latter role last year after Senzo Mchunu was suspended following allegations that embroiled him in the same law enforcement scandal that ensnared Masemola.
Mchunu has denied the allegations.
Politicians including DA leader Geordie Hill-Lewis have weighed in on the matter