The case involving suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 16 others has been postponed to 26 June 2026 after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said new information from consultations requires further investigation.
Masemola has now officially joined Matlala and 16 others at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where they face charges linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a R228 million contract to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Matlala.
The suspended police chief is facing four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), while Matlala and other accused face charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Matlala remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility after a court granted a request for him to remain there during ongoing consultation processes.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), consultations with Matlala have been concluded, but fresh information emerging from those engagements has led prosecutors to broaden and deepen their investigation.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the latest court appearance was brief, with all parties agreeing to procedural changes linked to the expanded scope of the case.
“Today was a very short appearance… and obviously the addition of Masemola into the group,” Kganyago said, adding that the matter is being treated as “one case, one matter.”
He said the decision to consolidate the accused was agreed upon by all parties, including the defence.
“Therefore, there is no other reason why it was made. Everybody agreed to it, even including the lawyer,” he said.
Kganyago confirmed that the matter will not proceed on 26 June 2026 as previously scheduled, as prosecutors are still verifying newly obtained information.
He said the state is in the process of finalising financial analysis linked to the alleged procurement irregularities.
“As our prosecutor indicated, there was new information that they got and they need to verify that and make sure that even the financial analysis is finalised,” he said.
Kganyago added that while the investigation is progressing, delays have been experienced due to challenges in obtaining and verifying bank records and other financial documentation.
“The investigation is going on very well. Obviously, sometimes there are hiccups when we have to get the bank statements,” he said.
He said prosecutors will now consolidate the additional evidence before the matter returns to court, where the charge sheet is expected to be amended to reflect Masemola’s inclusion.
The state has also committed to formally disclose the full docket to all accused by the new court date in June 2026.
Saturday Star