South African Police Services (SAPS) is facing a leadership crisis after a series of suspensions and criminal charges involving its most senior officials.
In April 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola following his appearance in court over a R360 million fraudulent health tender.
Masemola faces charges of breaching the Public Finance Management Act and will appear in court on the 13th of May with 12 other officers and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Currently, Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane is the acting commissioner.
Less than a year earlier, Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu over claims that he interfered with political assassinations probe. Even though Mchunu denies it, the case has political stakes ahead of the ANC’s 2027 leadership contest.
Seven senior SAPS officers were also arrested in 2025, including the national and Gauteng heads of crime intelligence on charges of corruption and abuse of office.
Between April 2024 and October 2025, 233 police members were suspended for alleged criminal activity at a cost of over R25 million in salaries paid while on leave.
The scandals have raised concerns about accountability and trust in SAPS.
Sub-Editor : Thibela Thandeka
