South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reinstated National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, six months after his suspension over alleged breaches of public finance and procurement rules, following the withdrawal of charges against him.
Masemola, who has led the South African Police Service since 2022, is expected to resume duties on Monday.
The charges stemmed from the alleged irregular award of a 228-million-rand police health services contract to Medicare24, with prosecutors accusing him of failing to comply with financial oversight and procurement regulations. Masemola denied the allegations.
The Presidency said prosecutors withdrew the charges last month, after which a court in Pretoria formally discontinued the case.
The contract also came under scrutiny by the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations that criminal syndicates infiltrated parts of South Africa’s law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
The reinstatement brings Masemola back to office following the withdrawal of the charges linked to the contract, valued at approximately 13.85 million dollars.
