Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has called for the immediate precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola following his court appearance regarding an allegedly irregular R360-million South African Police Service (SAPS) health and wellness tender.

Masemola appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, facing four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The charges relate to his role as the SAPS accounting officer regarding a contract awarded to Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Masemola was served with a warrant last month to secure his appearance in court. He is set to join 12 other senior police officials, who have already been charged with fraud and corruption, in the dock when the matter resumes on May 13.

Concerned, Hill-Lewis said this event highlighted a "troubling pattern" of instability and serious allegations at the highest levels of the SAPS.

He argued that such accusations weakened public confidence in the police force.

Hill-Lewis wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Masemola and appoint an Acting National Commissioner.

The DA also wants Ramaphosa to appoint a board of inquiry into Masemola’s fitness to hold office, in terms of section 9 of the SAPS Act.

"There is ample precedent for this course. Presidents have previously used section 9 of the SAPS Act to appoint boards of inquiry into the conduct and fitness of National Commissioners. Ramaphosa should do so again now," Hill-Lewis said.

“At a time when violent crime continues to terrorise communities, when organised criminal networks are deeply entrenched, and when public confidence in policing is fragile, the office of the National Commissioner must be beyond reproach,” he stated.