Build One South Africa welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension, following the deeply concerning charges against the Commissioner. This decision is a necessary step in confronting the systemic rot that has taken hold within the South African Police Service.
The revelations brought to light through the Commission have shocked the nation and laid bare the extent to which corruption has compromised the integrity, effectiveness, and credibility of our policing institutions. BOSA commends the Commission for its diligent and courageous work in exposing these failures. Its efforts have provided South Africans with a clearer understanding of the scale of the crisis and created an opportunity for meaningful reform.
Critically, procurement has been identified as a major source of corruption within SAPS. BOSA emphasises that the outcomes of this Commission must include the urgent recovery of stolen public funds. The reported R16 billion linked to corrupt activities must be pursued and recovered in full. Financial recovery is essential to restoring both justice and public confidence.
We further welcome the appointment of the Acting National Commissioner Major General Puleng Dimpane, and wish her strength and resolve in undertaking what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult leadership assignments in the country today. She assumes office at a time when public trust in the police is at a historic low, and internal divisions within SAPS have eroded cohesion and professionalism.
Her immediate task is twofold: to restore confidence among South Africans that the police can protect them, and to rebuild trust within the ranks of SAPS itself.
BOSA calls on the Acting Commissioner to urgently prioritise the following actions:
- Stabilise and professionalise police leadership
Immediate steps must be taken to audit senior appointments and remove politically connected or compromised individuals. Leadership positions must be filled based on merit, experience, and integrity to rebuild internal trust and operational effectiveness. - Rebuild community trust through measurable policing outcomes
The Acting Commissioner must implement clear, public-facing performance targets focused on reducing violent crime and improving response times. Community policing forums must be revitalised to ensure accountability and rebuild relationships between citizens and law enforcement.
South Africans deserve a police service that is professional, ethical, and capable of ensuring their safety. This moment must mark the beginning of a decisive break from the culture of impunity that has weakened SAPS for far too long.
BOSA will continue to advocate for a safer South Africa, where the rule of law is upheld and public institutions serve the people with integrity.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551