While several parties are concerned by a pattern of alleged malfeasance within the Police Ministry, attention is now shifting to the new Acting National Police Commissioner. 

This follows the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his absence, appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, albeit in a temporary capacity. 

ALSO READ:  Ramaphosa places Police Commissioner Masemola on precautionary suspension – Smile 90.4FM

Masemola joins other high-ranking officials related to the Police Ministry, who have been accused of wrongdoing, like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. His suspension has raised serious concerns among several political parties.  

Several political parties have expressed concern over the suspension of National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola.  

ActionSA said this is reflective of the growing instability preventing proper law enforcement. MP Dereleen James said that while Masemola’s suspension was expected, it adds to the perception that the government is losing control of its integrity.  

“These repeated reactive interventions point to a deeper failure of leadership and oversight. The President has allowed a situation to develop where allegations of criminality and misconduct at the highest levels of government and law enforcement have become commonplace,” said James, adding that she would monitor Dimpane’s appointment.  

DA leader, Geordin-Hill Lewis, believes Masemola’s suspension is not enough, noting that he has long called for a board of inquiry into his fitness to hold office. It believes that it must now take place.  

“These serious allegations require full and proper scrutiny so that accountability is not delayed, diluted or quietly avoided. But this also lays bare the deeply alarming state of SAPS senior management… South Africans cannot be expected to trust a police service when scandal, suspension and allegations of corruption have become defining features of its senior command.”  

At the same time, the EFF believes his suspension confirms that the current ANC/DA government is not punishing corruption but rather managing or accommodating it. In its statement, it noted that “corruption in SAPS is systemic, institutionalised and politically protected”. 

“The EFF further asserts that this culture of impunity within SAPS is drawn directly from the conduct of the Head of State. President Cyril Ramaphosa has not been held accountable for the Phala Phala scandal, and this failure has entrenched a dangerous precedent across the state.” 

The Good Party’s Brett Herron believes Masemola should instead resign.  

“Long-suffering South Africans should not have had to wait for Masemola to be suspended after appearing in court in relation to alleged tender oversight failures. He should have been pushed out last year when the levels of depravity in the senior ranks of police under his command became clear… There is no evidence that Masemola benefited from corruption, but his weak management enabled corruption. The police need stronger leadership,” said Herron. 

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has called on the acting National Police Commissioner to ensure accountability across the Police Ministry.  

Cameron urged Dimpane to implement internal disciplinary probes where police officials are identified in alleged wrongdoing at the Madlanga Commission or Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.  

He specifically mentioned the SAPS Supply Chain Management Divisional Commissioner, Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, who allegedly oversaw the irregular procurement process involving the contract of Vusimuzi Cat Matlala’s company, Medicare24. This is the same case Masemola has been implicated in.  

“Accountability must not be delayed. If it only emerges during moments of scandal, it reflects a reactive system. A functional democracy requires accountability to be embedded in everyday governance which makes the system predictable, impartial, and consistently enforced,” said Cameron.  

DA Mayoral Candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, has upped the ante on her social media-driven election campaign.

After swimming in potholes and canoeing in a rubber dinghy through Joburg’s streets, her campaign last night dropped the first in a series of videos showing the decay of the Johannesburg Metro Centre, formerly known as Johannesburg’s Civic Centre.

The building has seemingly been abandoned and left to ruin over the past three years, since it was vacated in 2023. The Daily Maverick recently gained access to the building and published horrific photographs in February this year, detailing how this was allowed to happen.

Now Zille and her team have done the same, gaining access to the property, days after being chased away by security guards. 

In the video, Zille and her team are also chased by guards, “captured”, and escorted out, later finding another way in.

The Joburg Mayoral Candidate has teased the next instalment of the video series.

WATCH BELOW:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against him.

Ramaphosa made the announcement during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday, following Masemola’s recent court appearance on charges linked to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act.

The charges relate to a controversial multi-million rand tender awarded to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.

“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges… I have agreed with General Masemola that he be placed on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said.

Acting commissioner appointed

To ensure stability within the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Police Commissioner.

Dimpane, who currently serves as Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, has nearly two decades of experience in policing and public administration.

The president described her as a leader with “professionalism and integrity,” expressing confidence in her ability to steer the police service during a challenging period.

Focus on accountability and reform

Ramaphosa said the decision forms part of broader efforts to restore integrity within law enforcement and intensify the fight against organised crime and corruption.

He emphasised that the suspension does not imply guilt, stressing that the legal process must be allowed to run its course.

“It is only the court of law that will determine whether there is criminal intent or guilt,” he said.

The president also highlighted ongoing reforms within SAPS, including efforts to address weaknesses in procurement systems, an area identified as vulnerable to corruption.

Maintaining stability in SAPS

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ramaphosa sought to reassure the public that the fight against crime would not be derailed.

“We should not allow developments such as this to weaken our determination or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people,” he said.

He added that the acting leadership, supported by existing police structures, would continue to drive operations against violent crime, organised crime, and corruption.

The Western Cape Mobility Department has warned residents to be on high alert for online scams falsely advertising traffic officer training courses and requesting payment from hopeful applicants.

The warning comes as the department officially opens applications for its Traffic Officer Cadet bursary programme, which offers successful candidates the opportunity to train as traffic officers in the province.

Officials stressed that the bursary programme is completely free to apply for and that applications may only be submitted through the official Western Cape Government Jobs website.

Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, urged residents not to fall victim to the scams.

“We also caution residents about the various scams targeting applicants. There are no fees required for this programme.”

At the same time, the department is encouraging eligible young people to apply for the programme, which includes a Further Education and Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement.

The 12-month programme will begin on 8 June 2026 at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell, Cape Town.

Bezuidenhout says the programme presents an opportunity for young people interested in law enforcement and road safety.

“This bursary programme offers a valuable opportunity for young people to build a career in law enforcement while making a real impact on road safety in the Western Cape.”