PRETORIA – The Pretoria Regional Court has postponed the corruption case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 13 other accused implicated in the R228 million Medicare 24 Tshwane District to 17 November following their appearance today. The accused, who include 12 high-ranking police officers, appeared jointly in court.
In a statement, Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), said the postponement was to allow the Review Panel to complete its assessment of the validity of the charges against the accused and for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to issue an instruction on the way forward.
“This process is undertaken to ensure that all prescripts of the law were followed and to assess if the evidence contained meet the minimum threshold for convictions,” he said.
Mamothame explained that the process forms part of the IDAC Reset Project, which includes the review of all cases by a Review Panel composed of senior prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as senior attorneys from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The accused face charges including corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The case stems from the alleged irregular awarding of a R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) healthcare tender to a Matlala-owned company.
In March, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court granted high-value bail to 12 police officers arrested alongside controversial businessman Matlala in the matter. Bail amounts range from R40 000 to R80 000 for the accused. The accused’s arrests were based on prima facie evidence following an in-depth investigation by IDAC.
Listed accused are:
Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka (Procurement Officer)
Matlala (director of Medicare24 Tshwane District)
James Murray (service provider)
Captain Brian Neville
Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
Brigadier Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema
Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe
Brigadier Kirsty Jonker
Brigadier Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono
Brigadier Onica Ofentse Tlhoale
Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba
Colonel Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi
Colonel Anton Paulsen
Colonel Natsenge Johannes Monyai.
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