National police commissioner Masemola to face corruption charges over Medicare24 tender
Gen Fannie Masemola appears in court on charges linked to irregular R360 million health services contract.
National police commissioner Masemola to face corruption charges over Medicare24 tender
Gen Fannie Masemola appears in court on charges linked to irregular R360 million health services contract.
National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria magistrate's court on Tuesday on charges brought by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption linked to an irregular tender awarded to Medicare24.123
Masemola faces charges for contravention of the Public Management of Funds Act in relation to a R360 million tender awarded to Medicare24, a company linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.23 The tender, awarded in June 2024 for health assessments of new police recruits, was cancelled in May 2025 after an internal investigation found procurement irregularities and under-performance.23
Thirteen police officers were arrested last month in connection with the tender and released on bail, facing charges that include contravention of the PFMA, fraud and money laundering.3 Most were accused of failing to conduct due diligence before the tender was awarded to Matlala.3 Matlala and 15 others, including senior police officers, have appeared in court on charges including fraud, money laundering and corruption.2
Masemola was processed at Pretoria Central Police Station before his court appearance.3 Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said the decision on whether Masemola would step aside would be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa.3
Speaking in Durban last month, Masemola said he had done nothing wrong and would cooperate with courts and law enforcement agencies.2 I have not been charged; I have been summoned to appear in court, which anyone can receive. 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,
Masemola said.2
Ramaphosa said he was consulting relevant stakeholders about the summons and would provide an update on the matter.2
The appearance deepens a crisis in the security cluster, with police minister Senzo Mchunu on suspension, as is Masemola's deputy, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya.1 The DA has called for Masemola's precautionary suspension while the case is before the courts.1