Policing union urges President Ramaphosa to reinstate Fannie Masemola

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been urged to reinstate Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola following allegations of her violating finance laws related to a substantial police health services contract. The South African Policing Union (SAPU) contends that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised concerns about the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) handling of certain investigations and the legal foundation for charges against senior police officials.

Masemola was arrested in April and charged with four counts under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) concerning a R360 million irregular health service tender awarded to a company linked to an alleged underworld figure. She was placed on precautionary suspension on April 23. However, testimony at the Madlanga Commission has since revealed that IDAC unfairly targeted Masemola and other senior police officials.

Former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson admitted that the criminal charges against Masemola lacked any proof of corruption, suggesting the charges were fabricated to embarrass her. The Commission also noted that IDAC's actions went beyond their mandate, alleging an orchestrated attack aimed at destabilising senior police officers.

SAPU has called on National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi to urgently address the status of the charges against Masemola, with the country needing to know if the charges will be withdrawn or proceed.