Charges against Masemola formally withdrawn

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has formally withdrawn all charges against suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

The charges were withdrawn at Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, following a decision by National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.

Masemola faced four charges relating to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with the controversial SAPS health services tender awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24.

The NPA said Mothibi reached his decision after reviewing evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a Case Assessment Panel report and an assessment by an independent senior counsel.

Masemola was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa following his court appearance earlier this year.

With the criminal charges now withdrawn, attention is expected to turn to Masemola’s suspension and whether he will be reinstated as national police commissioner.

The NPA has also referred the circumstances surrounding the assessment and enrolment of the case for further scrutiny to determine whether there was any misconduct in the handling of the prosecution.