Masemola in court over R360m SAPS tender linked to Matlala
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday in connection with a R360 million SAPS tender awarded to Medicare24.
The company is owned by alleged organised crime boss Vusimuzi Matlala.
Masemola was served with a notice to appear last month, on the same day Matlala and 14 police officers appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
They face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the awarding of the same tender for which Masemola has been flagged in his capacity as SAPS accounting officer.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption is seeking to hold Masemola accountable for what it describes as a failure to exercise proper oversight in his role.
Matlala was awarded the tender while he was already under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks over the R2.3 billion Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal.
The developments come amid mounting scrutiny on the police service, following the earlier arrest of several senior officers in connection with procurement-related matters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that the matter involving Masemola will be handled in accordance with the law.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president is closely monitoring broader developments linked to the case, including the arrests of senior police officials.
“The president has further noted the arrests of the senior police officers on a procurement-related matter. President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law,” said Magwenya.
Meanwhile, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Masemola has taken note of the charges brought against him and has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes.
“He welcomes any investigation or due process that seeks to address allegations of wrongdoing, as this is the right and necessary course to safeguard public trust in our institution,” said Mathe.
Mathe has also indicated that the commissioner remains confident in the legal system.
“He has full confidence in the legal process and believes it will allow the truth to emerge,” she added.
The National Prosecuting Authority has not yet publicly disclosed the specific charges Masemola will face, only saying that the details would be presented in court
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