The head of South Africa’s police force, General Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to appear in court in connection with a $21 million (£15.5m) health services contract under criminal investigation.
A police spokesperson confirmed that Masemola, 62, was served with a notice to appear on 21 April but authorities have not disclosed the specific charges he will face.
Masemola is the third national police commissioner to face a criminal investigation while in office. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he will address the matter “in accordance with the law,” but no decision on suspension has been announced.
The disputed tender, awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, was meant to provide health services to the police. Following allegations of corruption, a dozen senior officers have also been charged over their involvement in the deal, which has since been cancelled.
Authorities allege that the officers colluded with Matlala, who faces charges including corruption, fraud, and attempted murder—the latter of which he denies. The allegations emerged during the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by Ramaphosa after claims that criminal gangs had infiltrated government, prompting the dismissal of a former police minister.
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said Masemola “has taken note of the charges brought against him and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes.” The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed he was served with the summons on Wednesday morning but declined to disclose the charges until formally presented.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the developments, noting that the government and the Minister of Police remain committed to maintaining stability and the policing mandate of the force.
Masemola follows in the footsteps of Jackie Selebi and Khomotso Phahlane, two former police chiefs who faced corruption charges while in office. Selebi, the longest-serving police boss, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010 for taking bribes from Italian drug lord Glen Agliotti, while Phahlane faced repeated corruption charges from 2017 onwards.
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of corruption within South Africa’s police service, highlighting continued concerns about governance and accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement.
