🇿🇦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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EFF leader Julius Malema stated his party will not form alliances with the Democratic Alliance DA or the Freedom Front Plus FF+, describing such a move as undermining a progressive agenda. He made these comments while addressing delegates at a conference of the Botswana National Front BNF. Malema also spoke against anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in South Africa, advocating for the unity of all African states and emphasizing the interconnectedness of SADC countries. He expressed pleasure at being in Botswana, noting that his 13-year travel ban to the country, which stemmed from accusations of attempting to ignite regime change, was lifted in 2024.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for long-term investment in education initiatives from businesses and civil society, emphasizing that Mandela Day efforts should create lasting benefits for schools beyond symbolic gestures. Speaking at Giyani Primary School in Soweto during a Mandela Day event, Gwarube inspected a new classroom block donated by Absa and facilitated by Ride4Hope, with Aspen also contributing. She highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities to enhance learning environments for South African children. Gwarube stressed that collaborations should address the real needs of schools and complement public investment, ensuring every child has a safe and appropriate learning environment. The Minister encouraged transparent and sustainable education projects, stating that the true measure of Mandela Day lies in the lasting impact of projects, such as new classrooms and support for teachers, rather than just the 67 minutes of volunteering. She concluded that sustained investment and collaboration are crucial for unlocking children's potential and securing South Africa's future.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has arrested a 44-year-old suspect in connection with an attack that resulted in the death of a Police Sergeant and injury to a Police Constable. The incident occurred in Bushbuckridge on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that officers located and apprehended the suspect at his residence on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The suspect allegedly attacked the officers with a sharp object during a domestic violence call-out, striking the 41-year-old police sergeant and pushing the 37-year-old police constable into a hole before fleeing. The sergeant was pronounced dead upon arrival at a medical facility, while the constable was admitted for treatment. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift arrest, emphasizing that attacks on police will not be tolerated. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation DPCI – Hawks is handling the case.