Masemola asks NPA to drop charges in R228m SAPS-Medicare24 tender case

Masemola

Pretoria – Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has asked the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw the charges against him in connection with the controversial R228 million SAPS-Medicare24 tender, as prosecutors review the case.

Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 August, alongside several senior police officers and other accused in the matter.

His legal team confirmed that it had submitted formal representations to National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi on 7 August, asking for the prosecution against him to be reconsidered, The Citizen reported.

“I have submitted our representations on the 7th of August directly to the National Director of Public Prosecutions,” Masemola’s lawyer told the court, adding: “We would be delighted, your worship, if we can get an outcome of our representations before our next appearance.”

NPA reviews tender case

The latest development comes after the NDPP indicated that Masemola’s charges were already under review amid concerns surrounding the manner in which the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) handled the investigation.

State prosecutor Santhos Manilall told the court that the NDPP had authorised a panel of at least seven senior officials from the NPA and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the SAPS-Medicare24 case.

“I cannot give you a date when they will be complete with the assessment, [but] they understand the urgency of this matter,” Manilall said.

The panel is expected to submit its report to Mothibi before the accused return to court.

The case stems from a controversial SAPS health-services tender awarded to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The broader procurement was valued at about R360 million, while the contract at the centre of the current proceedings is valued at R228 million. At least R50 million was paid before SAPS cancelled the contract in May 2025 after procurement irregularities were identified.

Masemola maintains his innocence

SABC News  previously reported that Masemola had maintained that he did nothing wrong and had cancelled the contract after concerns were raised.

“I have not been charged; I have been summoned to appear in court, which anyone can receive. As far as whether I have done anything wrong, no, I did not do anything wrong. I cancelled the contract and followed the proper processes,” Masemola said in April.

Masemola faces four charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Citizen reported that the allegations include failing to prevent irregular and fruitless expenditure and failing to stop payments despite allegedly being alerted to irregularities.

The case has also featured prominently at the Madlanga Commission, where questions have been raised about the investigation into Masemola and the conduct of IDAC.

‘Cat’ Matlala set to return to case

The proceedings have also taken another turn, with the state preparing to bring Matlala and his companies back into the main case after a plea-and-sentence agreement was nullified.

According to EWN, prosecutors had previously warned that more accused persons or additional charges could be added to the case. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the charge sheet could still be amended depending on developments in the case.

Matlala is due to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 11 September, while the broader matter is expected to move to the Pretoria Regional Court. The next appearance is scheduled for 29 September.

The MedicalBrief also reported earlier that IDAC had warned that more arrests could follow and that the charge sheet could be amended as the investigation progressed.

Masemola’s representations now place the NPA review at the centre of the case, with prosecutors expected to decide whether the suspended commissioner should continue facing charges.

Article written by