SAPS suspends five more senior cops over R360 million tender scandal

The South African Police Service suspends more senior officers linked to a R360 million tender scandal awarded to controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Five more senior police officers have been suspended by the South African Police Service (SAPS), bringing the total number of suspended officials connected to the alleged fraud and irregularities surrounding a questionable R360 million police health services and wellness tender awarded to Medicare24 to 14. This follows the SAPS’s announcement last week that nine police officers had been suspended due to alleged ties to a business associated with controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.

The officers are accused of unlawfully influencing the tender process and failing to verify the legitimate business operations of the company. In a statement issued on Monday, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS will not provide further comment at this stage. These suspensions form a broader cleanup and investigation effort that has previously led to the suspension of nine other officers and former National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and the dismissal of national head of organised crime, Major-General Richard Shibiri. The suspensions also include members of the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) and provincial leadership.