Masemola returns as national police commissioner after six-month suspension

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has returned to office after spending six months on precautionary suspension, pledging to unite the South African Police Service (SAPS), strengthen accountability and improve frontline policing.

His suspension was lifted by President Cyril Ramaphosa following the withdrawal of the charges against him by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), paving the way for his return to lead the police service.

Addressing SAPS members on Monday, Masemola said his return was not about an individual but about restoring institutional stability and reaffirming the police service’s constitutional responsibility to protect South Africans.

“My return is not about an individual; it is about the responsibility entrusted to this office and the continuity of leadership in an institution central to our democracy,” he said.

“The SAPS is bigger than any one person, and our constitutional mandate must always take precedence over personal interests, internal differences and individual circumstances.”

Masemola said his experience during the suspension had reinforced the importance of due process, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

He also thanked Ramaphosa for lifting the suspension and expressed gratitude to South Africans who supported him during the period, particularly his family.

“My focus is on leadership, institutional renewal, and improving the capacity of the SAPS to deliver measurable results in the fight against crime,” he said.

Elections and political violence among priorities

Masemola’s return comes as the country prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with political violence and attacks on party members and candidates among the issues requiring urgent attention.

He said he would receive a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence on incidents involving political party members and candidates, including threat assessments and measures to strengthen prevention and investigations.

“We will act decisively against political violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct. The SAPS will remain impartial: no political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear,” he said.

He called on political parties, their members and supporters to exercise tolerance, respect opposing views and resolve differences peacefully.

Frontline policing and accountability

Masemola also pledged to prioritise resources for police stations, improve operational readiness and ensure frontline officers have adequate vehicles, equipment, technology and personnel.

He said the SAPS would work to improve response times, address staffing shortages and strengthen visible policing, adding that recruitment of new police trainees would commence soon.

Provincial commissioners and station commanders would be expected to account for how resources were used and whether they improved service delivery.

Masemola further called for stronger discipline and professional conduct within the police service, saying corruption, abuse of authority and misconduct must be addressed without favour.

He also acknowledged Lieutenant General Dimpane, who served as acting national commissioner during his suspension. Masemola said he would receive a formal handover report outlining developments, operational priorities and outstanding matters.

The SAPS would also consider relevant recommendations from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry once its final report becomes available, with the aim of strengthening accountability, addressing systemic weaknesses and restoring public confidence.

As the festive season approaches, Masemola said police operations would focus on crimes including murder, robbery, sexual offences, gender-based violence and femicide, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime.

He said his priority was to build a professional, disciplined and responsive police service that delivers measurable results and earns the trust of the public.