Cape Town – Lawyers representing the accused in the corruption case involving suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola and 13 co-accused are seeking access to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s plea agreement after he turned State witness.
According to IOL, the accused appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where the State indicated that it intends to amend the charge sheet before the matter proceeds.
Defence lawyers also requested access to additional case documents, including the investigation docket. While most legal representatives had submitted USB drives to receive copies of the disclosed information, not all had done so by the time the matter was heard.
WATCH | Suspended National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola and other senior police officers implicated in the Medicare24 SAPS tender corruption case are back in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Stay tuned to SABC News for updates. pic.twitter.com/4Y8WwnVhEN
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 26, 2026
Masemola faces four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) for allegedly failing to fulfil his responsibilities as an accounting officer. His 13 co-accused face charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering.
The charges stem from the alleged irregular awarding of a R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
The contract was initially budgeted at approximately R360 million but was ultimately awarded for around R228 million. The State alleges that at least R50 million had already been paid before the contract was cancelled in May 2025.
According to SABC News, Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said amendments to the charge sheet are necessary before the case can move forward.
[WATCH] The corruption case against suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and 13 others returns to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in August. They face corruption charges related to the controversial R228-million contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District.… pic.twitter.com/oGtrnaZHqW
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 26, 2026
“In the coming weeks, if the decision by the court goes out, pending that outcome, based on the case dockets before us if any information arises it will mean amendments have to be made to the charge sheet and all the information that has to follow will be disclosed. Following that, if there are any applications by the accused for disclosure they will be tackled as it comes.”
The matter was postponed to allow the State to amend the charge sheet following the separation of Matlala’s case. The businessman was removed from the main trial after pleading guilty to all charges and agreeing to testify for the State.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
