President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the criminal charges brought against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, as a widening corruption probe into a multimillion-rand police tender sends shockwaves through South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had noted the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decision to charge Masemola, who is expected to appear in court on 21 April. The President also took note of the arrest of 12 senior police officers linked to the same procurement scandal.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa would address the matter “in accordance with the law,” while working closely with the Minister of Police to ensure stability within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The President, working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate,” Magwenya said.
Earlier on Wednesday, police confirmed that Masemola had been served with a summons compelling him to appear in court. Authorities added that the national commissioner is cooperating with investigators after being linked to the irregular awarding of a lucrative health services tender to Medicare24.
At the centre of the scandal is controversial businessman Vusumuzi Matlala, popularly known as “Cat”, whose company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, secured the contract despite alleged irregularities in the bidding process.
The tender, initially valued at approximately R360 million, is now the subject of a far-reaching investigation led by the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Authorities allege that procurement regulations were flouted and that members of SAPS’ Bid Evaluation Committee colluded with Matlala to secure the deal.
According to the NPA, Medicare24 did not have the required infrastructure, equipment or personnel to deliver on the contract. Despite this, the company’s bid, reportedly valued at around R228 million, was approved. Before the contract was ultimately cancelled by SAPS, more than R50 million had already been paid to Matlala.
The investigation, which began in 2024 after being referred internally within SAPS, has so far resulted in multiple arrests. On Wednesday, 16 accused, including Matlala and several senior police officials, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges including corruption, fraud, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act.
Those implicated include high-ranking officers such as Brigadier Rachel “BBL” Matjeng, Major General Busisiwe Temba, Brigadier Kirsty Jonker and Brigadier Ofentse Tlhoaele. They are among at least 12 SAPS members facing charges, with ranks ranging from brigadier to captain. Also named in the case are service provider James Murray and procurement officer Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka, among others.
In a parallel development, former senior officer Brigadier Petunia Lenono has also been arrested. Lenono resigned just weeks before the controversial tender was awarded—timing that investigators say is now under intense scrutiny as they probe possible insider coordination.
NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the case exposes serious weaknesses in public procurement systems and underscores the risks posed by internal collusion.
“This matter again highlights how tender processes in government, including law enforcement, are compromised through officials who are prepared to compromise themselves and their institutions just to make money on the side or to pay back favours,” Kganyago said.
Matlala was arrested alongside 15 co-accused. While the state opposed bail in his case, he indicated he would not apply for release at this stage. His matter was postponed to 7 April to allow consultation with his legal team. The remaining accused were granted bail ranging from R40,000 to R80,000 under strict conditions.
The broader case has been postponed to 13 May for further investigations, as authorities continue to analyse financial flows and procurement records linked to the contract.
Authorities believe more arrests could follow as the probe deepens, with investigators focusing on the flow of funds and potential beneficiaries of the alleged scheme. The scandal is already being described as one of the most significant corruption cases to hit the upper ranks of SAPS in recent years.
Despite the unfolding crisis, the Presidency has sought to reassure the public that policing operations will continue without disruption. However, the case raises fresh concerns about governance, accountability and integrity within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies at a time when public trust remains fragile.
