Johannesburg – National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has returned to work after six months on suspension for trumped-up charges.
Earlier this year, graft charges against General Masemola were brought by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
However, evidence led before the Madlanga Commission showed that the charges were contrived without sufficient evidence.
General Masemola was recently cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted General Masemola’s precautionary suspension.
RELATED: President Ramaphosa Has Lifted General Masemola’s Suspension, He Is Back Monday – The Bulrushes
Speaking at a media briefing on his return to work today, Monday, 19 October 2026, General Masemola stated that his immediate priority was to ensure that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was operationally prepared for the upcoming Local Government Elections.
“I address you this morning against the backdrop of the lifting of my precautionary suspension and my return to the office of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service,” General Masemola said.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure that the SAPS is operationally prepared for the upcoming Local Government Elections.
“We will engage Provincial Commissioners to assess readiness, identify hotspots and ensure that intelligence, personnel and resources are aligned with emerging risks.
“Attacks and killings involving political party members and candidates demand urgent attention.
“I will receive a comprehensive briefing from Crime Intelligence on these incidents, including threat assessments and measures required to strengthen prevention and investigations.
“We will act decisively against political violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct.”
General Masemola said the SAPS will remain impartial: no political affiliation places anyone above the law, and every person must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear.
“I call on political parties, their members and supporters to exercise tolerance, respect opposing views and resolve differences peacefully.
“Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, and protecting that democratic space is a responsibility we share.
“As we prepare for the elections, we must sustain momentum in the National Safer Festive Season operations.
“Our priorities include gender-based violence and femicide, combating murder, robbery, sexual offences, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and organised crime.”
General Msemola Added: “We will strengthen intelligence-led operations, road safety enforcement and police visibility at shopping centres, transport facilities, entertainment areas, tourist destinations and identified crime hotspots.
“Provincial and District Commissioners must ensure that operational plans translate into measurable outcomes and safer communities.”
Earlier, General Masemola told SAPS members that the day of his return to work holds great significance.
“Not because an individual has returned to office, but because it presents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, institutional stability, accountability and the national interest,” the police chief said.
“It is a moment to reflect on the values that must guide leadership, particularly when circumstances test our resolve, our convictions and our faith in the institutions we serve.”
