Masemola and senior SAPS officers set for May court date in Medicare24 tender scandal

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and 12 other SAPS officials are scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 13 May over corruption allegations linked to the R360-million Medicare24 contract, following earlier arrests in the same case.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged Big Five cartel infiltration of policing has led to multiple arrests of high-ranking police officers. On 13 May, Masemola and 12 other SAPS officials will face charges linked to the scandal-ridden Medicare24 contract awarded in June 2024.

The group, including Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and James Murray, is accused of corruption, fraud and violating the Public Finance Management Act. The contract was later cancelled after more than R50-million had been paid out.

This follows the March 2026 arrests of 12 SAPS officers in connection with the same tender. Separate arrests include those of Crime Intelligence’s Feroz Khan and Major General Ebrahim Kadwa on 10 May for alleged illegal possession of precious metals. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi also appeared in court on 20 April.

Testimony before the commission has detailed alleged infiltration by the “Big Five” drug cartel into law enforcement and political circles.

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National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola appears in Pretoria court facing PFMA charges related to a R360m tender.
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National police commissioner Fannie Masemola faces PFMA charges in Pretoria court

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South Africa's National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola made his first court appearance in Pretoria on April 21, 2026, facing four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act. The charges relate to a R360-million police tender allegedly irregularly awarded to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's company. The case was postponed to May 13.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has denied any wrongdoing related to the R360 million Medicare24 contract scandal, insisting he followed proper processes and cancelled the deal amid prior arrests of senior officers. Speaking in Durban after a court summons for April 21, he affirmed court cooperation. Separately, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu challenged corruption claims by the KZN police commissioner.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension on 23 April 2026 and appointed Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting commissioner. The decision follows Masemola's court appearance on charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act related to a R360-million SAPS tender. Ramaphosa highlighted Dimpane's professionalism and tasked her with fixing procurement weaknesses.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has cautioned South African Police Service members to adhere to proper protocols for media communications and reporting misconduct. This follows a briefing by suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Daphney Manamela, who accused National Commissioner Fannie Masemola of protecting corrupt officers. Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi emphasised efforts to restore public trust.

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A police witness told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala provided tip-offs to officers as an informant before facing charges linked to a drug cartel.

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