Overview
- Prosecutors arrested 12 police officers and a company director on Wednesday on charges of corruption, fraud and Public Finance Management Act breaches linked to a 2024 SAPS health-services contract awarded to Medicare24.
- National Commissioner Fannie Masemola received a summons to appear in court on 21 April, with acting minister Firoz Cachalia saying he faces PFMA-related counts as the SAPS accounting officer rather than corruption charges.
- Most accused were granted bail between R40,000 and R80,000, while the state opposed bail for Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who remains in custody on separate attempted murder charges.
- Investigators say Medicare24 lacked the facilities, systems and staff required, bid evaluators misrepresented due‑diligence findings, and more than R50 million was paid before the contract was cancelled after internal audits flagged irregularities.
- The Presidency noted the charges and said it will act to keep SAPS stable, while Cachalia plans an external intervention team to tighten procurement controls as inquiries in Parliament and the Madlanga Commission continue.