South Africa’s police chief to appear in court over controversial health contract

The head of South Africa’s police force has been summoned to appear in court in connection with a health contract that is the subject of a criminal investigation. General Fannie Masemola “was served with a notice to appear in court” on 21 April over his alleged role in the awarding of a controversial $21m (£15.5m) tender, a police spokesperson said. Authorities declined to disclose which charges he will face.

Masemola, 62, is the third police boss to face a criminal investigation while in office but there has been no word on his possible suspension – President Cyril Ramaphosa has only said he “will be addressing the matter… in accordance with the law”. The tender was awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024 and was meant to provide health services to the police. Following allegations of corruption linked to the awarding of the contract, a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged over their role in the deal, which has since been cancelled.

They have been accused of colluding with Matlala, who has also been charged. They face corruption and fraud charges but have not yet been asked to plead. Matlala has also been charged with attempted murder, which he has denied.

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The allegations of how Matlala getting the contract were made at an inquiry set up by Ramaphosa to look into corruption in the police force. The Madlanga Commission was established after a senior police officer claimed criminal gangs had infiltrated the government – an accusation that led to the sacking of the country’s police minister.

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