South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday, after Masemola was charged with breaking finance laws in connection with a 360-million-rand ($21.7 million) police healthcare contract.
Masemola is accused of flouting procurement rules in awarding a tender to Medicare24, a health services company run by businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is suspected of ties to organized crime. Prosecutors allege Medicare24 colluded with police officials to secure the contract. Matlala received payments of just over 50 million rand ($3 million) before the contract was cancelled. Masemola appeared in court Tuesday on four counts of violating the Public Finance Act. The case was postponed to May 13. He has denied the accusations.
"In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case," Ramaphosa told journalists.
The suspension adds Masemola to a growing list of senior police officials removed from their posts. The police minister and deputy national commissioner have also been suspended or placed on leave in recent months, producing what Al Jazeera described as a rare concentration of upheaval at the top of the force. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the police's chief financial officer, will serve as acting commissioner. Ramaphosa described her as having a "reputation for professionalism and integrity."
The shake-up follows a commission of inquiry Ramaphosa launched last year after a senior police official alleged corruption and political interference had compromised criminal investigations. That commission led to former police minister Senzo Mchunu being placed on leave.
Ramaphosa faces pressure to demonstrate credible anti-corruption action before local elections in November. The accumulated scandals have eroded public trust in the ruling coalition, and the government's handling of graft is expected to be a central issue for voters.
