Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane has promised firm action against police misconduct as she takes charge of the South African Police Service during a period of deep scrutiny.

Dimpane told Parliament on Wednesday that SAPS would strengthen crime intelligence, improve visible policing, empower specialised units and invest in technology. Her comments came days after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Gen Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension.

Police Misconduct Warning Comes Amid SAPS Turmoil

Dimpane said SAPS would “act decisively against misconduct” while recognising officers who serve with integrity. She told MPs that accountability and ethical leadership would be strengthened at all levels of the police service.

Ramaphosa appointed Dimpane as acting national commissioner after Masemola appeared in court on charges linked to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act. The Presidency said Masemola would remain on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case.

The case relates to a R360 million police contract that prosecutors allege was unlawfully awarded. Associated Press reported that Masemola faces four counts under the PFMA and that the matter has been linked to a wider corruption probe involving senior police officers and businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala.

SAPS Budget Places Focus on Supply-Chain Reform

Dimpane and acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia briefed Parliament’s police portfolio committee on SAPS budget and performance plans for 2026/27. According to the supplied source, Dimpane said the SAPS budget amounts to R127 billion, with R102 billion, or about 80%, going to employee compensation.

Cachalia told MPs that SAPS had “messed up” supply-chain and financial management, which had affected police performance. He said Dimpane’s financial management experience was one reason for her appointment.

Dimpane said SAPS would work with National Treasury and outside experts to fix supply-chain weaknesses, especially where irregular expenditure suggested possible corruption. Treasury’s 2026 police vote also says SAPS will prioritise violent crime reduction through intelligence-led, high-density operations such as Operation Shanela II.

Organised Crime and Elections Among Priorities

The Puleng Dimpane police misconduct pledge forms part of a wider plan to rebuild SAPS systems and improve frontline policing. Dimpane said police resources would be directed toward crime intelligence, the Hawks, detective services, cybercrime functions and specialised units.

The supplied source also says an additional R1 billion from the Criminal Assets Recovery Fund has been allocated to fight organised crime. SAPS has also set aside R400 million for election security preparations.

The IEC has said South Africa’s next local government elections fall due between 2 November 2026 and the end of January 2027. It said the final date must be set by the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs after consultation with the commission.