Ramaphosa, Cachalia to discuss next steps after Masemola linked to SAPS tender

Cachalia

Johannesburg – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia is expected to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss next steps after National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was formally charged in connection with the R360 million SAPS health services tender awarded to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Masemola was served with a court summons on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear on 21 April 2026.

Despite calls from the DA for his suspension, Cachalia and presidential officials have confirmed that Masemola remains in his position.

According to EWN, Ministerial spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the meeting with Ramaphosa could take place from Thursday, adding that the president would advise the minister on any steps to be taken, in line with legal requirements.

“The appointment of the national commissioner is a presidential appointment, so the president would then have to advise the minister as to what steps will be taken after the president has sought legal advice, as you intended, that they would be following all the legal prescripts that need to be followed,” the report quoted Mogotsi as saying.

Cachalia emphasised that Masemola’s charges relate to procurement legislation under the Public Finance Management Act, not corruption, but acknowledged the seriousness of the case.

“General Masemola is still the national commissioner. I must make it clear that he has not been charged with corruption. He has been charged under procurement legislation,” Cachalia told eNCA.

The case comes amid the arrest of 12 police officers, along with Matlala, who face charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to the same tender.

The arrested officers were granted bail ranging from R40 000 to R80 000.

Concerns about the contract emerged just three months after it was awarded in June 2024 to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.

The Presidency said President Ramaphosa would address the matter in accordance with legal processes, stating: “The president, in collaboration with the minister of police, remains committed to ensuring that the SAPS stays stable and continues to effectively carry out its policing mandate.”

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