Parliament, Thursday, 23 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has welcomed the President’s decision to place the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mr Fannie Masemola, on precautionary suspension and to appoint Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Commissioner.
Mr Cameron said the decision marks a necessary and long-overdue step towards restoring credibility and stability within SAPS, particularly at a time when public confidence in the institution has been severely tested. “This action is both necessary and overdue. The integrity of SAPS must take precedence, and decisive leadership is critical to stabilising the institution and restoring public trust,” he said.
He emphasised that the suspension sets an important precedent that must be consistently applied across the entire policing system, serving as a deterrent against misconduct and maladministration.
While reiterating that the suspension does not imply guilt on the part of Mr Masemola, Mr Cameron stressed that accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement cannot be compromised.
“In a country grappling with high levels of crime, South Africans must have full confidence that those entrusted with upholding the law are beyond reproach. This decision sends a clear message that no one is above accountability.”
Mr Cameron highlighted that such actions are essential to ensure:
• Consistent consequence management, where misconduct is met with clear and timely action.
• Transparency in investigations and decision-making, reinforcing that justice is not selective.
• Leadership accountability, setting the tone from the top.
• Community trust, built on visible fairness and responsiveness.
He further called on the incoming Acting Commissioner to entrench accountability across the organisation. All officials identified in processes linked to the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee must be subjected to concurrent internal disciplinary processes while investigations continue.
“Accountability must not be delayed. If it only emerges during moments of scandal, it reflects a reactive system. A functional democracy requires accountability to be embedded in everyday governance which makes the system predictable, impartial, and consistently enforced,” Mr Cameron said.
In this context, the committee expects further action, including the suspension of SAPS Supply Chain Management Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, who oversaw the irregular procurement process related to the Tshwane Medicare 24 contract.
Parliamentary Oversight
The Portfolio Committee on Police has consistently maintained that any SAPS member implicated in wrongdoing must face both criminal investigation and internal disciplinary action.
In its statement of 3 September 2025, the committee raised serious concerns over weak internal controls within SAPS’ supply chain management environment. Engagements with the Auditor-General of South Africa revealed that irregular expenditure had increased by 140% in the 2024/25 financial year, reaching R640 million.
The committee expressed alarm at these findings, particularly the admission that Bid Evaluation Committee members lacked adequate training and failed to exercise due diligence in the adjudication of tenders.
The committee has repeatedly called for decisive action against senior officials implicated in maladministration, including Lieutenant General Fani, Major General Mzwandile Tiyo, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, Major General Patrick Mbotho and other officers facing allegations of wrongdoing. The Chairperson emphasised that some of the senior officials have seen no action which seem to suggest that they enjoy some kind of protection. “It is critical that the SAPS enhance systematic integrity management within the organisation to enhance public trust,” Mr Cameron said.
Acting National Commissioner
Mr Cameron stressed that the appointment of an Acting National Commissioner must mark a turning point for SAPS. “This is an opportunity to restore stability, reinforce ethical leadership, and refocus SAPS on its core mandate of fighting crime and protecting citizens. The Acting National Commissioner must act decisively to rebuild institutional integrity.”
He reiterated that individuals implicated in ongoing investigations, including those linked to the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee, should be suspended pending the finalisation of investigations. “The path forward must be defined by transparency, accountability and ethical governance. South Africans deserve a police service that works in their interest, not one distracted by internal crises,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson has called on the Acting Minister of Police and the Acting National Commissioner to urgently outline a clear plan for the appointment of a suitably qualified and capable individual to fill the position previously occupied by the Acting National Commissioner.
“Financial and governance management of a portfolio as large as SAPS requires a candidate with the necessary financial expertise, particularly in light of the challenges currently facing the organisation,” Mr Cameron concluded.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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