Fannie Masemola Expected in Pretoria Court Over R360m Medicare24 Tender Scandal
CCN Online Reporting
Pretoria:- South Africa’s top cop, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, is set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning in connection with the controversial awarding of a R360 million health services tender to Medicare24
Picture: National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola in court today
The appearance, confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), relates to the SAPS contract granted to a company linked to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The tender was later cancelled in May last year after being flagged for procurement irregularities and under-performance.
Masemola has maintained his innocence, stating he has not been formally charged but merely summoned to appear — a process he says anyone can face. In comments made last month, he emphasised: “I have not been charged; I have been summoned to appear in court… As far as whether I have done anything wrong, no, I did not do anything wrong. I cancelled the contract and followed the proper processes.”
The case forms part of a wider investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) into alleged fraud and corruption in police procurement. In March, 12 senior police officials and a company director appeared in the same court facing charges including fraud, money laundering, and corruption related to the Medicare24 deal. Matlala himself has faced additional scrutiny, including links to attempted murder allegations in separate matters.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously confirmed that Masemola was served with a summons and would cooperate fully with the legal process. President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the matter, stating he is consulting relevant stakeholders and will provide an update in due course, while stressing that the law must take its course.
This high-profile court appearance underscores what many observers describe as a troubling trend of police corruption cases increasingly landing in South African courts. From senior officials implicated in irregular tenders to lower-ranking officers facing daily charges of bribery, fraud, and abuse of power, the SAPS has come under intense scrutiny.
Analysts and opposition parties, including the DA, have called for Masemola’s precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the case to ensure public confidence in the police leadership. The Democratic Alliance has repeatedly highlighted the need for accountability at the highest levels, arguing that such scandals erode trust in law enforcement at a time when violent crime remains a pressing national concern.
The Medicare24 tender was intended to provide health and wellness services to police officers but drew criticism after reports of irregularities surfaced during parliamentary inquiries and the ongoing Madlanga Commission into corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.
Masemola’s summons — rather than an arrest alongside the other officials — has sparked debate among legal experts. Some note it follows standard procedure under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) for accounting officers, while others question whether it reflects preferential treatment for top leadership.
As the country grapples with persistent allegations of graft within its policing structures, Tuesday’s proceedings in Pretoria will be closely watched. The case not only tests the independence of the NPA and courts but also raises broader questions about procurement safeguards and ethical leadership in the SAPS.
