Corruption-accused police chief suspended in South Africa

TT

Published 17.17

         

         South Africa's national police commissioner Fannie Masemola in court in Pretoria on April 21.                   Photo: Mogomotsi Magome /AP/TT

The national police commissioner in South Africa is being suspended following a corruption scandal, the country's president Cyril Ramaphosa said.

Fannie Masemola is accused of violating procurement laws in a now-abolished police procurement for health services. It was awarded to a businessman suspected of having links to organized crime.

The procurement - worth the equivalent of around 200 million kronor - has shaken the country and has also implicated other officials.

"Given the seriousness of these allegations and the crucial role played by the national police commissioner (...), I have agreed with General Masemola that he should be considered suspended as a precaution pending the conclusion of the matter," Ramaphosa said during a press conference.