President Ramaphosa Suspends Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola
"...I have agreed with Gen Masemola that he be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case to ensure stability and continuity in the South African police force".
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed National Police Commission Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension after his court appearance on Tuesday charged with failing in his oversight duties over a R288 million health contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company.
General Masemola (62) has denied the charges against him and has been appearing in court after he was implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry to probe malfeasance and corruption within the SA police services.
The tender has since been cancelled and General Masemola is charged with violating some part of the PFMA (Public Finance Management Act), a charge he has denied.
Ramaphosa has replaced Masemola with Lt-General Puleng Dimpane - the current SAPS CFO - and the president said the police chief will remain suspended until the court case is concluded.
“These measures have been necessary to ensure accountability and to devise remedial action to prevent the abuse of office and the theft of public resources,” said Ramaphosa at a press briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.
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