By Johnathan Paoli
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is set to face criminal charges in connection with what many believe to be the corruption scandal linked to a controversial R360-million SAPS health services tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Wednesday that Masemola has been served with a summons compelling his appearance in court on 21 April, although it declined to disclose the specific charges at this stage.
“The summons was sent this morning to him. We cannot divulge the charges until they have been read to him in court. That’s all we can say, because we cannot talk about the content of the summons,” NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Masemola has been formally notified to appear in court.
“I can confirm that the National Commission of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola was served this afternoon with a notice to appear in court on the 21st of April on the Medicare 24 tender,” Mathe said.
She said Masemola remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the office he serves.
“He has taken note of the charges brought against him and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes,” Mathe said.
“He welcomes any investigation or any lawful process that seeks to address any allegations of wrongdoing, as this is the right and necessary course to ensure that we instil that public confidence and public trust in our institution, and it is also essential that all these processes take place transparently, in a fair manner, and he has pledged his full cooperation and confidence that this legal process will allow the truth to emerge.”
Providing context, Mathe said many of those arrested were part of the bid evaluation committee and that “red flags” about Medicare24’s performance emerged within three months of the contract being awarded in June 2024.
She said concerns prompted a December 2024 briefing to the Police Minister, after which the National Commissioner initiated an internal audit that ultimately found “a lot of irregularities”, including alleged fronting and lack of capacity.
The contract was subsequently terminated, while a forensic investigation is nearing completion, with two employees suspended and another facing investigation.
If charged, Masemola would become the third National Police Commissioner to face criminal prosecution while in office, following Jackie Selebi and Khomotso Phahlane.
The case follows a broader investigation led by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), which has already resulted in the arrest of 12 senior police officers.
The officials were apprehended on Tuesday on charges of fraud, corruption, and contravention of legislation, and were granted bail on Wednesday in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court.
Among those arrested is Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who recently testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding her alleged links to tender tycoon Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Matlala himself, along with associates connected to his business interests, including Medicare24, are also facing charges.
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the confirmation by the NPA of charges against Masemola, as well as his upcoming court appearance.
The President noted the arrest of 12 senior police officers in connection with a procurement-related matter, and said he will address the issue in line with the law and, together with the acting Police Minister Feroz Cachalia, remains committed to ensuring stability within the South African Police Service so it can continue fulfilling its mandate.
The developments mark a significant escalation in the probe into alleged corruption within SAPS procurement processes, raising fresh concerns about governance and accountability at the highest levels of the police service.
Further details on the charges against Masemola are expected to emerge when he makes his first court appearance next month.
INSIDE POLITICS