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.
In the latest development in the South African Police Service (SAPS) R360 million Medicare24 contract scandal—which led to the March 24 arrests of 12 officials and associates on corruption and fraud charges, as well as President Ramaphosa's pledge for departmental stability—National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has broken his silence.
Speaking in Durban after receiving a court summons for April 21, Masemola denied involvement in any impropriety. "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. That is as far as I want to comment on the matter," he stated, emphasising his cooperation with courts and law enforcement.
The summons relates to the 2024 contract awarded to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's Medicare24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd for medical services, later cancelled due to audit irregularities. At least 12 officers, including brigadiers and majors general, have faced charges under the Public Finance Management Act.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, on special leave, urged KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to substantiate corruption allegations raised in a parliamentary committee, including claims linked to Matlala via an inmate's letter. "Please provide evidence and state the source of your claims so that everyone can verify them," Mchunu said in an SABC interview near Kwambonambi. Mchunu also confirmed his return to duties on ANC committees.
