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South African President Suspends Police Chief Over Tender Case

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. Masemola was charged with violating the Public Finance Management Act over his alleged failure to properly oversee a controversial $21 million police health services contract. He denied the charges. 

Masemola's case relates to a tender awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024, which was intended to provide health services to police officers. It was cancelled a year later, in May 2025, and a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged in connection with its award. 

Ramaphosa said he had decided to suspend the policeman because of the "seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime". Ramaphosa has appointed the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.

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National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

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