President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimane as the acting National Police Commissioner, while placing the incumbent, General Fannie Masemola, on precautionary suspension. This decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that suspending Masemola while he remains on the taxpayers’ payroll is unjustified.
Masemola appeared on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in relation to a R228 million South African Police Service (Saps) health services tender awarded to criminally accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the national commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he [will] be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said. He said Dimpane, who is currently the chief financial officer (CFO) and divisional commissioner for Saps’ Financial Management Services, has a long and distinguished career both in Saps and in other public institutions.
Corruption within public sector institutions, including the police, is extensive, spanning from the highest to the lowest levels. The fact that General Commissioner Masemola allegedly offered tenders worth millions in bribes to the highest bidder undermines the integrity of SAPS, the very institution he was meant to lead. The President should consider dismissing him outright, depending on how the trial unfolds. It is commendable that the President has appointed someone like Dimane, who is regarded as having integrity, to oversee SAPS. Masemola’s actions have eroded the credibility of the office he was entrusted to lead, and his career is unlikely to survive the impact of the trial. Ramaphosa, for his part, is treading carefully with the new appointment. Masemola remains innocent until proven guilty; the evidence will be examined with meticulous care, and the magistrate or judge will deliver the verdict.
Masemola appeared on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in relation to a R228 million South African Police Service (Saps) health services tender awarded to criminally accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. “In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the national commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he [will] be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa said.
Masemola has entered a deep rabbit hole from which he may not emerge. Bribery and corruption should have no place in state affairs. Awarding tenders worth millions to businessmen involved in illicit dealings is not the role of law enforcement authorities. As the saying goes, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Preventing corruption requires that officials in government and the public sector be vetted by an independent commission, as is the case with judges and public prosecutors. This principle should apply to the police in particular.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
