National Police Commissioner Masemola to appear in court over R360 million Saps health tender
via The Citizen13 min read
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday, following processing at the Pretoria Central Police Station. He will be formally charged in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service Saps health services tender awarded to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Masemola faces criminal charges related to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act PFMA. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe described this as a "defining moment" for Saps, emphasizing the organization's commitment to accountability and the principle that no one is above the law. Mathe acknowledged that public trust in the police has "eroded" and stressed the need for introspection, renewal, and rebuilding trust through consistent ethical conduct. She also highlighted the dedication of many police officers and urged the public not to generalize. Matlala and his co-accused were previously arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption Idac on charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the PFMA concerning the same irregular tender. Masemola was served with a summons to appear in court, leading to speculation and calls for his suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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