By Mapaballo Borotho
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 23 April 2026, appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as the acting National Police Commissioner after placing General Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension.
This comes as Masemola is implicated in a corruption case regarding the awarding of the Medicare24 tender.
Masemola faces four charges relating to the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. These relate to the contract that was awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24, and was later cancelled.
Who is Puleng Dimpane?
- Age: 49
- Born: Mahikeng, North West
- Current Role: Acting National Police Commissioner
- Appointed by: Cyril Ramaphosa (23 April 2026)
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Auditing & Accounting)
- Honours Degree in Business Administration
- Additional training in strategic management & leadership
Career Highlights
- 2002: Joined public service as Assistant State Accountant
- Worked in:
- Department of Sports, Arts & Culture
- Provincial Treasury
- Department of Health
- National Department of Education
- 2007: Joined SAPS as Senior Superintendent (Internal Audit, Free State)
- Promoted to:
- Provincial Head: Finance & Administration (Brigadier/Director)
- Later became:
- CFO: Free State Economic Development & Tourism
SAPS Leadership
- Returned to SAPS as:
- Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Asset Management
- 2019: Promoted to Divisional Commissioner: Financial Management Services
- Historic Role: First female CFO in SAPS history
Experience
- 23+ years in public service
- 18 years at senior management level
Why she was Appointed
- Replaces Fannie Masemola
- Masemola placed on precautionary suspension
- Facing charges linked to the Medicare24 tender
Key Takeaway
Puleng Dimpane is a seasoned financial and administrative leader within SAPS, now stepping into the country’s top policing role at a critical time.
READ NEXT: Fannie Masemola in hot water over Cat Matlala-linked tender fraud charges
The post Mzansi, here’s what you need to know about the acting Police Commissioner appeared first on KAYA 959.
