Cachalia says Ramaphosa was correct to suspend Masemola

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said that President Cyril Ramaphosa was correct to suspend National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola despite ongoing instability within the police leadership.

Masemola was suspended this week after being charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act in the Pretoria Magistrates Court.

While the matter is before the courts, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed as acting national commissioner.

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Cachalia said that appointing an acting commissioner makes sense under the circumstances, adding that this is not the time for long-term decisions.

"I don't think, given the manner in which National Commissioner Masemola has had to, in effect, step down would justify making a long-term decision right now."

Cachalia also acknowledged mounting human resource challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS), saying leadership vacancies linked to suspensions are being addressed.

He further expressed concern about police morale following revelations at the Madlanga Commission of inquiry.

"My message to the leadership who should not all be tarred with the same brush is that they have a responsibility to assist... To ensure that we are able to restore that trust."

Cachalia said that the commission is an unfortunate but necessary process to understand the depth of the problem and identify the remedy.