Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.
Her appointment on Thursday, 23 April 2026, came soon after President Ramaphosa announced that National Police Commission Fannie Masemola had been placed on precautionary leave.
General Masemola appeared in court earlier in the week and was charged with four counts of breaching the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) regarding the dodgy tender granted to Medicare 24, a company owned by crime-accused businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala.
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Flanked by Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, President Ramaphosa said: “In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the National Commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case.
“To ensure stability and continuity in the South African Police Service, I have appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.”
Lt-Gen Dimpane is currently the Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services of the SAPS and has a long and distinguished career both in the SAPS and in other public institutions.
Having been in the police service for close to two decades, she has extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management, and governance. Lt-Gen Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity.
“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period,”’ said President Ramaphosa.
Lt-Gen Dimpane will be supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country.
