- President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended police chief Fanny Masemola as a precautionary measure following court charges linked to a R360 million tender case.
- Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane took over as acting police commissioner, while Masemola prepares to return to court with his co-accused in May.
Families linked to crime face more uncertainty after another police chief is ousted.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola as a precautionary measure. The decision comes into effect immediately.
Ramaphosa said the move came following serious allegations and the need for stability in the police. He said he agreed with Masemola on the suspension while the case continues.
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Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpen will act as commissioner. He is the Chief Financial Officer in the South African Police Service.
Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Four cases are registered against him under the Public Finance Management Act.
The charges relate to a R360 million health services tender. The contract was awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, linked to Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala.
His case will be combined with that of Matlala and 15 co-accused on May 13. Masemola said he was not guilty and denied corruption.
This announcement comes after several weeks of public pressure. Political parties and civil groups demanded his suspension.
Ian Cameron, chairman of Parliament's police committee, urged swift action. The Democratic Alliance called for an investigation into the appropriateness of the office.
Masemola was appointed in April 2022. His tenure was to end in 2027.
Many former police chiefs also left early. Jackie Selebi was sent to prison on corruption charges in 2010. Bheki Cele was fired in 2012. Rhea Fiyega was suspended in 2015.