US EditionSouth Africa police chief Fannie Masemola in court over alleged $21 million unlawful contract
Prosecutors say the police chief failed in his oversight role as investigators pursue a case tied to a canceled R360 million tender.
- On Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court facing four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act regarding an allegedly corrupt R360 million tender.
- Prosecutors allege the contract, awarded to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's company Medicare24 in 2024, was irregularly obtained; authorities cancelled it in May 2025 following a commission of inquiry into widespread police corruption.
- Masemola's case will be joined to that of 16 others, including 12 senior police officers accused of colluding with Matlala, though Masemola faces charges solely under the Public Finance Management Act.
- Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe called the appearance a "defining moment" for the South African Police Service, while Masemola, who remains in his position, stated, "I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong."
- The South African Police Service acknowledged that public trust has "eroded" and needs rebuilding, as the case postponed to May 13 marks the third time a police chief has faced criminal investigation while in office.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Leave it to Ramaphosa, says Masemola on future, facing charges relating to R360m tender
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola told journalists at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday: “I know that I am not guilty, I am not wrong.” He faces four charges in relation to a R360-million contract that the SAPS awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company.
Police commissioner Fannie Masemola added to corruption case State vs Matlala and 15 Others – The Mail & Guardian
The state intends to make National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola a co-accused in the fraud and corruption case, State versus Vusimuzi Matlala and 15 others, the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court heard on Tuesday. Masemola has been added as a co-accused in the case involving 12 police officials, three company directors and a R360 million contract awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24. Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrat…
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