Masemola returns as South Africa’s police commissioner

Fannie Masemola returned as South Africa’s national police commissioner on October 19 after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension following the withdrawal of criminal charges against him. Masemola said he would focus on uniting the South African Police Service (SAPS), strengthening its integrity and preparing for upcoming local government elections, rather than seeking revenge. The National Prosecuting Authority withdrew the charges, which related to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The Pretoria Magistrates Court withdrew all charges against Masemola on September 22. Ramaphosa lifted the suspension on October 16, according to reports of the decision. In remarks on his return, Masemola said the police service’s responsibilities to the public should take precedence over personal interests. He said he intended to restore public confidence and improve the SAPS’s ability to deliver services and fight crime. He also urged senior management to work together and said misconduct by some officers should not eclipse the work of the majority. Masemola said preparations for the upcoming local government elections were his first...