SAPS Gen. Fannie Masemola is set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court on Tuesday in connection with a controversial police tender that was awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Image: Zwelethemba Kostile / Parliament
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is due to appear in the Pretoria magistrate's court on Tuesday in relation to the R360-million health tender that was awarded to tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The contract was awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, in 2024, but was later cancelled after serious irregularities surfaced.
Masemola now faces criminal charges linked to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). He was served a summons in March.
Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the case, saying any action will follow due legal process, while stressing the need for stability within SAPS.
At the same time, the pressure is intensifying. Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Daphney Manamela has accused Masemola of protecting corrupt officers and interfering in investigations.
She claims she was sidelined for acting against extortion and corruption, and that a key crime-fighting unit was disbanded soon after.
Manamela has also alleged a multi-million rand bribe linked to a high-profile case. Masemola has denied the claims.
Police say the allegations are serious and under investigation.