Ramaphosa appoints Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane as SA's new acting police chief, Masemola on suspension

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as the acting National police commissioner following the precautionary suspension of General Fannie Masemola.

This comes after Masemola appeared in court earlier this week on four counts linked to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act.

Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday flanked by acting police minister Firoz Cachalia and Dimpane, Ramaphosa said it was vital that the public has trust in the people that the government has appointed.

"In consideration of the seriousness of these charges, I have agreed with General Fannie Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case," said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said Dimpane had close to two decades of experience in the police service and was the divisional commissioner for financial management services.

“She has extensive experience in policing, financial management and governance. She has a reputation for professionalism as well as integrity.”

He added that a key area of focus would be dealing with procurement weaknesses in the SAPS supply chain management systems.

He said he would not be appointing a commission of inquiry into Masemola's fitness to hold office and instead would let the legal process run its course.

In response to questions from the media, Ramaphosa said it may be argued that there were too many people in acting positions but they had to deal with the issues at hand. 

“It would have been irresponsible not to fill the position,” he added.

He said that he was confident that the senior management of the police would support Dimpane. 

“They will all rally behind General Dimpane, support her and work with her. We will up the tempo, when it comes to fighting crime.”

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