President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to work with the police minister to stabilise the South African Police Service following a summons for National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and arrests of senior officers over a procurement scandal. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed Masemola must appear in court on 21 April, while 15 senior officers face corruption charges linked to a R360-million contract. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasised adherence to the law.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated he will collaborate with the Minister of Police to ensure the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains stable amid turmoil from a summons issued to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and arrests of 15 senior officers. The matter centres on a R360-million procurement contract awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd for services including retirement due to ill health, wellness screenings and pre-employment medical assessments. The contract was later cancelled due to irregularities flagged in audits, including misrepresented compliance by bidder Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's company, such as lacking a compatible computerised system with SAPS databases despite claims otherwise. On Tuesday, 24 March 2026, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption arrested 12 SAPS officials—one retired—along with Matlala's associate James Murray and two companies. They face charges of corruption, fraud and contravening the Public Finance Management Act. The officers, appearing in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 25 March, included Brigadiers Rachel Matjeng, Alpheus Ngema, Patrick Nthengwe, Kirsty Jonker, Onicca Ofentse Tlhoaele; Majors General Busisiwe Temba; Colonels Tumisho Maleka, Anton Paulsen, Natsengae Monyai, Nonjobulo Mngadi; Captain Brian Cartwright; and retired Brigadier Petunia Lenono. Bail was granted: R80,000 each to Cartwright, Matjeng, Maleka and Murray; R40,000 to others. Cartwright was described as a key facilitator on the bid committee. The NPA has not detailed Masemola's charges. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: “President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law. The President is working together with the Minister of Police to ensure that the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its police mandate.” The South African government noted these arrests affirm no one is above the law.
