Masemola confirms R360m SAPS contract under forensic probe

By Johnathan Paoli

South Africa’s national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has confirmed that a R360-million contract awarded to a health company linked to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is under forensic investigation after SAPS internal auditors flagged corruption risks, misrepresentation, and fronting.

Testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on corruption in the criminal justice system, Masemola said the Medicare24 tender followed standard supply chain processes, including consideration by the bid specification, evaluation, and adjudication committees.

“The supply chain divisional commissioner signs off — it doesn’t land on my desk,” he told MPs.

Masemola said the contract, awarded in June 2024, was meant to provide medical services for SAPS members and new recruits. Then-police minister Bheki Cele was in office at the time.

However, concerns arose almost immediately. Masemola recalled receiving a call from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) warning that Medicare24 lacked a tax clearance certificate and had previously