Fannie Masemola, head of South Africa’s police force, is set to face charges over a $20-million health tender, prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday. Masemola has been served with a summons to appear in court on April 21, according to Kaizer Kganyago.
The case revolves around a cancelled 2024 police tender for health services awarded to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, suspected of links to organised crime. While charges against Masemola have not been detailed, a police spokeswoman confirmed he will attend the upcoming court session.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated he has “noted” the charges and will act “in accordance with the law,” emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a stable police force.
Fifteen individuals—including a dozen police officers and a director of Matlala’s company—were charged on Wednesday on suspicion of corruption in the tender award. All, except Matlala, were granted bail. Matlala had already received 50 million rand ($2.9 million) before the contract was terminated.
Locally described as a “tenderpreneur,” Matlala gained national attention after a regional police chief accused senior police officials and the minister of corruption, prompting the minister’s removal and a formal commission of inquiry established by the president. The hearings, broadcast daily on television and radio, have captured public attention across South Africa.
A separate parliamentary inquiry is also investigating allegations that senior officers accepted bribes from organised crime figures. Matlala was previously arrested in May last year in connection with a 2023 attempt on his ex-partner Thobejane’s life. His name also surfaced in the Tembisa Hospital scandal, where over 2.2 billion rand ($129 million) was allegedly embezzled, a case linked to the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran in 2021.
The unfolding legal proceedings highlight ongoing concerns about corruption and accountability within South Africa’s police service.
