Ramaphosa vows to deal with Masemola charges in accordance with the law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that he will address the matter involving National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in line with the law.
Masemola has been served with a notice to appear in court in connection with the R360 million health services tender awarded to Medicare24, a company owned by Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.
Masemola is expected to appear in court on 21 April.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the President has also taken note of broader developments linked to the case, including the arrest of senior police officials.
“The President has further noted the arrests of the 12 senior police officers on a procurement related matter."
Following these latest developments, Magwenya emphasised the President’s position on how the matter involving the Police Commissioner will be handled.
“President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law."
Magwenya further addressed concerns around stability within the police service amid the unfolding developments.
“The President working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate,” says Magwenya.
Meanwhile, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has confirmed that Masemola has been formally served with a notice to appear in court.
Mathe says the Commissioner has acknowledged the charges and his responsibility to respond through the appropriate legal channels.
“He has taken note of the charges brought against him and has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes."
She adds that Masemola supports due process as a necessary step in maintaining public trust.
“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."
Mathe has further stressed the importance of transparency and fairness as the matter proceeds.
“It is essential that all these processes take place and are handled transparently and fairly."
She says Masemola remains confident that the legal process will clarify the situation.
“He has full confidence in the legal process and believes it will allow the truth to emerge. I can confirm that he will appear in court on the 21st of April.”
It has not been confirmed yet whether Masemola will take a leave of absence or step aside, with Mathe indicating that the Office of the Minister would be better placed to respond.
The National Prosecuting Authority has declined to disclose the specific charges at this stage.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the summons has been served, but details will only be revealed in court.
Kganyago explained on Wednesday that while Masemola was aware of the charges, it was not for the NPA to disclose them publicly at this stage.
“Obviously, wherever he is, he knows because it has been served on him, but it is not up to us to disclose it in the public space.
He adds that the NPA agreed to a request related to court proceedings to ensure efficiency in handling the matter."
“We agreed with the request because it helps us engage with the issues they want to raise, and it is advisable to deal with them within a shorter period before we return to the main matter,” said Kganyago.
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