National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on four charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Masemola joins at least 16 other co-accused, including alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, in the dock in connection with the irregular awarding of a contract valued at approximately R228 million to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala.
The charges against Masemola fall under Section 38 of the PFMA, which relates to the responsibilities of accounting officers in ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. The charges stem from a broader R360 million health services tender scandal that has rocked the South African Police Service since 2024.
Independent Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Masemola’s matter was postponed to 13 May for further investigations and for him to be joined with 16 others who are charged on the same matter.
The case originates from a health risk management contract awarded to Medicare 24 in June 2024, which was budgeted at approximately R360 million but allegedly awarded irregularly for R228 million. Twelve senior police officers have already been arrested on charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering in connection with the scandal.
Charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering have also been brought against the other accused in the case. Matlala faces additional charges, including attempted murder, with the State opposing bail for him.
The Independent Directorate Against Corruption has dismissed claims that it is targeting police officials, stating that arrests are made based on evidence of irregularities, collusion, and violations of treasury regulations in the tender process.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to charge Masemola. The Presidency said the president will address the matter in accordance with the law and remains committed to ensuring the police service stays stable and continues fulfilling its policing mandate.
Masemola remains in his position as National Police Commissioner and has not been suspended pending the court proceedings.
The Democratic Alliance has however called on the President to place the National Police Commissioner on precautionary suspension and appoint a board of inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
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DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said South Africa cannot afford “drift, equivocation, or half-measures” at the top of the police service. He 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.
The DA has invoked Section 9 of the South African Police Service Act, which empowers the president to establish a board of inquiry into allegations of misconduct by the National Commissioner, his fitness to hold office, or his capacity to execute his duties efficiently. The provision also empowers the president, after hearing the commissioner, to suspend him pending the outcome of that inquiry.
Hill-Lewis said the mere fact that the country’s top police officer now faces criminal charges linked to a procurement matter is grave enough to demand urgent presidential action. He described Masemola’s court appearance as the latest in a troubling pattern of instability and serious allegations at the top of the police service, which has further weakened public confidence.
The DA said an acting National Commissioner should be appointed without delay to protect the integrity and stability of the office, and that the president must act decisively to restore credibility to the police service through leadership grounded in integrity, proper vetting and real accountability.
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