President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This follows the suspension of General Fannie Masemola, who is currently facing charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) related to the awarding of a R228 million contract.
“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the National Commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” the President announced.
About the Country’s Acting Top Cop
Lieutenant General Puleng Patricia Dimpane joined the South African Police Service in 2007 through a lateral appointment at the rank of Senior Superintendent (currently the rank of Colonel), where she was appointed as an Internal Auditor.
At the time, SAPS was in the process of establishing Internal Audit Units across the country, and she was heading the Internal Audit Unit in the Free State Province.
Her professional background is primarily in auditing and accounting.
She was subsequently promoted to the post of Provincial Head: Finance in the Free State, at the rank of Brigadier.
Thereafter, she was promoted to the rank of Major General and transferred to the SAPS National Head Office, where she assumed duties as Chief Financial Officer with effect from 1 January 2019 to date.
During her tenure in this role, she was further promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, a rank she continues to hold as the Acting National Commissioner.
The President described Dimpane as having served a “long and distinguished career both in the SAPS and in other public institutions” for nearly two decades.
“[She] has extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management and governance. Lt-Gen Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity.
“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period,” President Ramaphosa said at a media briefing on Thursday.
The Acting Commissioner will be supported by a “strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country”.
