Police boss returns to work after suspension lifted

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says the failed attempt by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) to prosecute him formed part of a broader agenda that ultimately did not succeed. Masemola was speaking after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension, nearly six months after he was sidelined following criminal charges brought by Idac under its former head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, reports Business Day.The commissioner said he was eager to return to work and resume serving the public. He also indicated that he hoped to become one of the few National Police Commissioners to complete a full term, which is set to end in 2027. Masemola was charged with four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act and was later joined as an accused in a corruption case involving a R228m police tender awarded to Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The case, however, collapsed after evidence emerged before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry raising questions about the legal basis for charging him. The commission is probing the criminal infiltration of the justice system. Testimony by Idac prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy alleged that Johnson had orchestrated efforts to target Masemola and other senior police officers. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Idac's handling of the case. The directorate's decision to prosecute Masemola has since been referred to Judge Takalani Raulinga for an investigation into the assessment of evidence, the enrolment of the matter and the application of the law.