President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Major General Puleng Dimpane as the acting National Police Commissioner following the precautionary suspension of General Fannie Masemola, who faces serious charges related to the Public Finance Management Act.
Dimpane is currently the Chief Financial Officer in the South African Police Services (SAPS). She has been with SAPS for over two decades and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce as well as an Honours Degree in Business Administration.
Her appointment comes after Masemola appeared in court earlier this week on four counts linked to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said it was vital the public has trust in the people that government has appointed.
Ramaphosa said this year, the government has made concerted effort to fight organised crime and for the fight to be successful, law enforcement agencies must be capable and ethical.
“We have worked quite hard to rebuild our law enforcement services in the wake of state capture to restore credibility and integrity of the police,” he said.
He added that measures have been implemented to ensure accountability, prevent abuse of office, and theft of public resources.
“In all these efforts, we have promoted the rule of law and also upheld the principle that law enforcement agencies must be able to act without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.
Ramaphosa said considering the seriousness of Masemola’s charges and the critical role that the National Police Commissioner plays in the fight against crime, it’s best that Masemola is suspended.
I have agreed with General Masemola that he should be placed on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” said Ramaphosa.