Some 12 senior police officers, as well as alleged underworld boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, have appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, fraud and the Contravention of the PFMA.
They were arrested on Tuesday, 24 March.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from the alleged irregular awarding of a tender to Matlala’s company, Medicare 24.
“Treasury regulations were violated, and Matlala and Medicare24 were favoured by SAPS BEC members, which will become apparent from the evidence later in the process.
“Medicare24 did not have the facilities/equipment and/or staff to make good on the tender, which was budgeted for approximately R360 million, but owing to the collusion between the SAPS officials and Medicare 24, the lowest bid, which was approximately R228 million, which came from Matlala, was awarded this contract, nonetheless.
“Matlala received a payment of just over R50 million before the unlawful contract was cancelled by SAPS. Some of the accused also benefitted financially from this contract through money received from Matlala to which they were not entitled to,” the NPA said.
The awarding of this specific contract featured prominently in the proceedings of both the Parliamentary Adhoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission.
Senior members of the bid adjudication committee allegedly received cash payments and even a steady supply of Ozempic in exchange for fixing the contract.
The accused in the matter are:
- Matlala, together with James Murray (service provider)
- Captain Brian Neville
- Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
- Brigadier Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema
- Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe
- Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka (Procurement Officer)
- Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba
- Brigadier Kirsty Jonker
- Brigadier Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono
- Brigadier Onica Ofentse Tlhoale
- Colonel Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi
- Colonel Anton Paulsen
- Colonel Natsenge Johannes Monyai
“There are 14 accused on the roll, which include Matlala and 12 are members of the SAPS, ranging in rank from Brigadier to Captain, two entities and a director of one of the entities.
“This matter again highlights how tender processes in government, including law enforcement, are compromised through government officials who are prepared to compromise themselves and their institutions just to make money on the side or to pay back favours.
“The matter was referred to IDAC [Investigating Directorate Against Corruption] in 2024 by a component of SAPS. The arrests show that agencies are still able to deal with corruption and effectively so,” the NPA said.
Matlala told the court that he would not apply for bail at this stage, and his matter was postponed to 07 April 2026 to consult with his attorney.
The rest of the accused were granted bail of between R40 000 and R80 000 with stringent conditions attached.
It comes as it was also announced on Wednesday that National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has been summoned to appear in court in connection with a criminal investigation into the health contract.
Masemola will appear in court in April, and he will likely face similar charges to those above.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a brief statement, said he had noted the confirmation by the NPA of charges against Masemola and his scheduled court appearance.
“President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law. The President, working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate.”
