Masemola to address media for first time since suspension was lifted

South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is expected to address the media for the first time since his precautionary suspension was lifted by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday.

The Presidency announced that Masemola would resume his full duties on Monday.

Masemola was suspended in April after being charged under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in connection with alleged failures to adequately oversee a controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) health-services contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Union of South Africa (IPUSA) says the return of Masemola is a sign of stability.

President of IPUSA Bethuel Nkuna says the union welcomes Masemola’s return.

Nkuna says, “IPUSA did support this precautionary suspension in April because once the National Commissioner appears in court on a PFMA charge, the President must act to protect the office.

So, we support his return to work today because the NDPP did withdraw his charges, and there’s no legal basis to keep him suspended.” “And given all the crisis we see happening in the SAPS, our members want stability, not acting generals.

And in the same breath we want to thank Lt.

Gen.

Dimpane for holding the fort with distinction during Masemola’s absence,” adds Nkuna.

Video| SAPS head Fannie Masemola resumes his duties: