President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, citing Masemola's critical role in fighting crime as the reason for the move amid a controversial health contract probe.

Police chief suspended ahead of elections

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola in connection with a controversial health contract worth approximately $21 million, Ramaphosa's office confirmed.

Ramaphosa said the suspension was justified by the critical role Masemola plays in fighting crime, framing the action as necessary to protect the integrity of law enforcement while the matter is examined.

Court charges preceded the suspension

Masemola had already faced court charges linked to the contract before Ramaphosa acted. He is accused of failing to provide proper oversight in his role as police commissioner — a dereliction that prosecutors allege enabled the contested procurement to proceed.

The suspension comes as Ramaphosa faces pressure to demonstrate credible action against corruption ahead of upcoming polls.

Context

The case centres on a health contract that opposition figures and civil-society groups have publicly questioned. No further details about the specific goods or services procured under the contract are available from the information at hand.

Masemola's suspension removes South Africa's most senior uniformed police officer from active duty for the duration of the investigation. No acting replacement has been publicly named in the available information.