By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation yesterday and announced that he has placed the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, on suspension after he made an appearance at the Pretoria’s magistrates court for charges related to infringing on the Public Financing Management Act. 

“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case” said Ramaphosa in his address.

Masemola is being accused of negligence as the police chief financial officer in which he allowed for an irregular awarding of a tender amounting to R360 million to controversial tender tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s medical services company, Medicare24.

Ramaphosa has appointed an acting police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, as she currently holds the position of divisional commissioner for financial management services.

“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the South African Police Service during this challenging period” said Ramaphosa.

“The Minister of Police will support the work that the South African Police Service leadership will now undertake to insulate procurement in the public sector which was announced in the SONA” said Ramaphosa.

One of the prevalent statements made by Ramaphosa is that he would ramp up the fight against organised crime, corruption and violence. Due to the state capture commission, the government has taken measures to uncover wrongdoing within the South African police force.

Ramaphosa has also announced that the justice, crime and security cluster has made significant progress in appointing the KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as head of the new organised crime unit.