Fannie Masemola: South Africa's Police Boss to Appear in Court over Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala Deal
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and 12 officers face fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges linked to a cancelled R360 million health services tender.
- On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola received a court summons for April 21 over his alleged role in a controversial R360-million police tender.
- Twelve senior police officers were arrested on Tuesday for their roles in the R360-million contract awarded to Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala's company, Medicare 24. Investigators allege the tender was rigged through a collusive scheme involving these officers and Matlala.
- Following an internal audit that revealed 'red flags' and misrepresentation, Masemola terminated the contract in 2024. He now faces charges related to violating the Public Finance Management Act despite initiating the investigation.
- Spokesperson Mathe said Masemola 'has taken note of the charges brought against him' and pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes. President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated he will address the matter in accordance with the law.
- Masemola is the third police chief to face criminal investigation while in office, following Jackie Selebi and Khomotso Phahlane. The charges emerge amid broader scrutiny of the South African Police Service regarding alleged corruption and criminal infiltration.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Masemola not charged with corruption but could be suspended, says policing expert
Although national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola is not facing corruption charges in relation to a R360m police contract, he could still be suspended, according to a policing expert.
South Africa: DA Calls for Precautionary Suspension for Fannie Masemola Following Dodgy Tender Links
Press Release - The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the deeply concerning development that National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to face criminal charges linked to the irregular R360 million health services tender involving Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. Another senior police officer, also a General, is likely to also face charges.
Factions shred democratic SA’s police as Masemola now faces criminal charges tied to Matlala
Stories did the rounds last year that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was going to be arrested. He brushed these off as a smear campaign. Now the stories are becoming real: he faces criminal charges over a dodgy R360m tender tied to corruption-accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Police Commissioner Masemola served with warrant for involvement in Matlala’s R360 million Medicare24 contract – The Mail & Guardian
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is reportedly facing criminal charges relating to the controversial R360 million Medicare24 contract awarded to businessperson and alleged leader of the Big Five cartel, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. On Wednesday, the Special Investigating Unit served Masemola with a warrant for an upcoming court appearance on 21 April. This comes after 12 police officials appeared in the North Gauteng High Court in Preto…
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