Suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has spoken publicly after criminal charges against him were formally withdrawn, saying he is ready to return to work and continue serving the country.
Also see: NPA withdraws charges against police commissioner Fannie Masemola
According to SABC News, Fannie appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, where the charges against him were formally withdrawn. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had ordered the withdrawal after a review found there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
‘I want to serve the country’
Speaking to journalists outside court, Fannie thanked those who supported him during what he described as a difficult period.
“I want to thank everyone who prayed for me; it has been a tough journey,” Fannie said.
The suspended police commissioner said he was eager to return to his duties but acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with his employer.
“I am eager to get back to work and serve the country, but I will still have to wait for the employer,” he said.
Fannie was placed on precautionary suspension following his arrest and prosecution in connection with an alleged multimillion-rand SAPS health services tender.
BREAKING:
Criminal charges against General Fannie Masemola have been withdrawn in the PTA magistrates court!
The charges were PFMA related charges linked to the R288m tender case where Vusimuzi Cat Matlala is accused.@motso_modise pic.twitter.com/egCmXXBt0I
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 22, 2026
Charges linked to R360 million tender
Fannie had faced four charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) relating to his responsibilities as an accounting officer in connection with the tender.
The matter was linked to a SAPS health services contract involving Medicare24, a company associated with businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The contract has been reported as being valued between approximately R228 million and R360 million.
Unlike some of the other accused in the broader matter, Fannie’s charges related to alleged failures in oversight and compliance with his responsibilities under the PFMA.
Also see: Fannie Masemola back in the dock as R228m Medicare24 case continues
NPA says there were no reasonable prospects of success
The NPA’s decision followed a review ordered by National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi.
According to the NPA, Andy considered evidence gathered by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a Case Assessment Panel report and an assessment by independent senior counsel.
According to IOL, the review concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against Fannie on the PFMA charges.
The NPA said prosecuting a matter where the evidence was insufficient to sustain a successful prosecution would not be in the public interest.
The withdrawal does not, however, end scrutiny of how the case was handled. The NPA said the Case Assessment Panel’s report would be made available to the IDAC judge for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the prosecution.
Fannie Masemola calls for separation of investigations and prosecution
Following the withdrawal, Fannie also commented on how investigations and prosecutions should be handled within IDAC.
He argued that the two functions should be separated, saying that combining them could result in similar problems occurring again.
“The functions of investigations should be separate from the function of prosecution – the two should not be conflated,” Fannie said.
His comments came as questions continue to be raised about the handling of his case and the broader functioning of IDAC.
Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has opened up about the emotional toll of his suspension from the South African Police Service.
Masemola had faced charges under the Public Finance Management Act over alleged inadequate oversight of a controversial… pic.twitter.com/wgLGkNB4Z4
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 22, 2026
Fannie Masemola has not considered suing the State
Despite describing the experience as painful, Fannie said he had not considered suing the State over his prosecution. He said he did not wish the experience he had gone through on anyone else, reported EWN.
The withdrawal of the charges has also opened the question of whether Fannie will return to his position as national police commissioner.
IOL reported that acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia previously indicated that President Cyril Ramaphosa would engage with Fannie about the way forward, as the President is responsible for appointing the national commissioner.
Also see: Ramaphosa appoints Puleng Dimpane as acting police commissioner amid SAPS crisis
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