🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Vusimuzi Matlala remains in custody over irregular R360 million Saps health tender
via The Citizen2 min read
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged criminal kingpin and tenderpreneur, will remain detained at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre following his appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on April 20, 2026. The matter was postponed to May 13, 2026, to allow for consultations and for Matlala to instruct his attorney. The court granted the state’s request for his continued detention at Kgosi Mampuru. Matlala’s legal team is preparing a high court application to seek his permanent transfer to Embongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. When he returns to court, Matlala will be joined by 15 co-accused facing charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. These charges stem from the alleged irregular awarding of a R360 million contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala. He is accused of bribing top police officers, including generals, to secure the contract, which was awarded in 2024. The contract has been a focus of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary inquiry into crime networks within the South African Police Service and the country’s criminal justice system. Last November, Matlala explained how his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded the Saps health services contract. Although the contract was advertised for R360 million, R600 million was available in the Saps budget. Saps chief financial officer, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, informed Parliament’s ad hoc committee that
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National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday and is set to join Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala and 12 co-accused in May. Masemola faces four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act concerning a R360 million South African Police Service health services tender. The state requested his matter be added to the existing case, and the charge sheet for Matlala's case will be amended to include Masemola. The alleged offenses do not constitute schedule five charges. Masemola appeared via a summons served on March 26, and the case is scheduled to resume on May 13.
Must ReadNational 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.
The reception area of the Lower Sabie rest camp in Kruger National Park reportedly caught fire this morning. Social media posts show visuals of the scene. The camp confirmed the incident to The Citizen, stating that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Kruger Park spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli declined to provide a statement of confirmation. This is an ongoing situation.
Must ReadNational Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. He faces formal charges related to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service SAPS health services tender. This tender was awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who, along with 15 police officers, has already been charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering concerning the same contract. Concerns about the tender emerged shortly after its award in June 2024 to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the instability within the police force and indicated that an announcement regarding Masemola's fate would be made soon, following consultations within the security cluster. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also stated he would meet with Ramaphosa on the matter, noting that Masemola has not been suspended despite calls from the DA for his precautionary suspension.