PRETORIA - For Fannie Masemola, the past few months have been a difficult and painful journey.
The suspended National Police Commissioner has had the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) charges against him formally withdrawn in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, bringing an end to the criminal case that contributed to his suspension earlier this year.
The National Prosecuting Authority instructed prosecutors to withdraw the charges after a review concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
Masemola had been facing four PFMA-related charges linked to allegations of inadequate oversight of a controversial SAPS health-services contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24.
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With the charges now withdrawn, Masemola says he is eager to return to work.
“I’m eager to go back and serve the country, but of course I’ll still have to wait for the employer. I’ll take it from there.”
The withdrawal of the charges does not automatically lift his suspension. That remains a separate decision for President Cyril Ramaphosa.
For Masemola, however, the experience has left a lasting impression.
Describing the past few months, he said:
"It was a difficult journey. It’s a lesson."
Masemola also raised broader questions about the relationship between investigations and prosecutions, arguing that the two functions should remain separate.
“From my side, I’ll say probably the legislators, they should relook at not conflating functions. The functions of investigation should be separate from the function of prosecution. The two should not be conflated.”
His comments come as the NPA reviews cases originating from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), including scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the decision to prosecute him.
READ | Masemola's legal team raises concerns over IDAC investigation
Masemola described the experience as “very painful” and “very tough”, adding that he would not wish anyone to go through the same ordeal.
“That’s why I’m saying probably the legislators, they should let investigation be done by investigators and let prosecution decide matters, but don’t conflate the two in one department or institution.”