by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – The departure of yet another South African National Police Commissioner from office before the end of their term depicts this key position in the crime-afflicted country as a poisoned chalice.
Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, only one commissioner, George Fivaz (1995–2000), has completed his full term.
Thus, Nelson Mandela is the only president who did not have the headache of suspending his police boss. Successors Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma and now Cyril Ramaphosa have had to crack the whip.
After Fivaz, the next five commissioners have either been fired or suspended over allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Fannie Masemola is the latest to lurch into trouble, culminating in Ramaphosa announcing his precautionary suspension on Thursday. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed Acting National Police Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Apart from him joining the list of embattled commissioners who have fallen foul of the law, Masemola’s suspension is the latest twist in a saga that has gripped South Africa — alleged criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Masemola, who has occupied the position since 2022, earlier this week appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act.
A controversial R360 million SAPS tender awarded to Vusimuzi Matlala, who has allegedly emerged as one of the most notorious criminal kingpins, is at the centre of the police chief’s troubles.
With Masemola set to return to court in May to stand alongside Matlala and 12 other senior police officials arrested last month, his position had become untenable, forcing Ramaphosa to act.
The president said the beleaguered commissioner’s court appearance was a cause of great concern for all South Africans.
“However, we should not allow this development to weaken our determination or diminish our ability to fight against crime and corruption. We should not allow anything to destabilise the police service or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people.”
Sympathisers believe Masemola remains a victim of factionalism within the SAPS amid revelations of state capture by criminal cartels, the latest infamously known as “The Big Five”. Matlala, nicknamed Cat, is sometimes referred to as the leader.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), the main partner to Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) in the Government of National Unity, welcomed the suspension.
“No police leader can be allowed to remain in position if their continued presence undermines trust in the institution they are meant to lead,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Federal Leader.
“The current government lurches from scandal to scandal and from suspension to suspension, while ordinary South Africans are left less safe and less free,” he added.
Hill-Lewis said a DA-led government would move decisively to restore integrity at the top of SAPS through proper vetting, lifestyle audits, real consequence management, and appointments based on competence, integrity and public trust.
In July 2025, Ramaphosa announced the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. He placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is implicated, on leave.
Also known as the Madlanga Commission, it has collected evidence of criminal infiltration and political collusion in the justice system and municipal corruption.
Some whistleblowers who reported these crimes have been killed, including some who have appeared before the commission.
The commission’s hearings are ongoing.
Jackie Selebi was commissioner from 2000 to 2008. He left the position disgraced and was eventually found guilty of corruption in 2010 and sentenced to 15 years. He was released on medical parole in 2012 and died in 2015.
Bheki Cele occupied the position from 2009 until 2011, when he was suspended on misconduct allegations and later dismissed.
The next commissioner, Riah Phiyega, was the first woman to occupy the position (2012–2015).
She was dismissed following a commission of inquiry after police killed 34 striking mineworkers in the northwest of South Africa.
Khehla Sitole (2017–2022) left the position after his contract was terminated early “by mutual agreement”.
There have also been several acting commissioners during these dismissals.
They include Khomotso Phahlane, who took over from Phiyega.
In 2018, he appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption and was eventually found guilty of dishonest conduct.
The spotlight now shifts to Dimpane, with concerns already raised given her previous role as Chief Financial Officer during the signing of the controversial tender.
– CAJ News