President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting National Police Commissioner following the precautionary suspension of General Fannie Masemola.
Dimpane, who is currently the chief financial officer and Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services in the South African Police Service (SAPS), takes over the role with immediate effect.
Masemola’s suspension comes after he was charged this week for allegedly contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which governs financial management in state institutions.
He is expected to appear in court alongside businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala and a group of police officers facing related charges. The Presidency said the suspension is a precautionary measure to allow legal processes to unfold without interference.
The developments mark a significant shake-up in SAPS leadership, placing financial management under the spotlight at a time when the country’s top police official faces criminal proceedings.
