Fannie Masemola Appears in Court with ‘Cat’ Matlala Over SAPS Medicare Tender Scandal

• Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court alongside Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala today
• The case relates to allegations of irregular procurement in the Medicare SAPS tender fraud case
• 15 other accused also appeared in court, with 12 being members of the SAPS

PRETORIA — Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola made a brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 13 May 2026 alongside alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The appearance was in connection with the controversial SAPS medical services tender awarded to Medicare24.

Masemola and Matlala appeared in court with 16 other accused, including senior SAPS officials such as James Murray, Captain Brian Neville, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, Brigadier Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono, Brigadier Onica Ofentse Tlhoale, Colonel Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi, Colonel Anton Paulsen, Brigadier Thembinkosi Ngema, Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe, Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka, Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba, Brigadier Kirsty Jonker and Colonel Natsenge Johannes Monyai.

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Seen in the dock is Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who also appeared at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where she admitted to a romantic relationship with Matlala.

See the post of Matlala and Matjeng in court:

Why were they all appearing?

The case relates to the awarding of the Medicare24 contract for SAPS’s Tshwane District medical services. The contract was meant to provide medical assessments and wellness services for about 180,000 SAPS members. Prosecutors say the tender process was irregular and that warning signs about compliance and governance were ignored.

Masemola is facing charges under the Public Finance Management Act. Investigators allege he failed to ensure proper financial oversight during the awarding and management of the contract. He has denied any wrongdoing and says he will fight the charges in court.

During the proceedings, the State asked for a postponement. This is to allow further financial investigations to be completed and to update the charges linked to Masemola’s arrest.

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The court also heard that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

The matter has now been postponed to 26 June 2026 for further proceedings.

SAPS says Masemola's arrest is a defining moment

In related news, SAPS says the National Police Commissioner’s court appearance over allegations in the Medicare 24 tender is a “defining moment” for the organisation. National spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the case is a test of institutional integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Mathe spoke to the media before Masemola's court appearance on 21 April 2026. She said the arrest showed no one is above the law and that SAPS is serious about cleaning up the organisation.

National Police Commissioner defends his innocence

Previously, Briefly News reported that the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has defended his innocence after he appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 21 April 2026. Masemola and other senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were charged in connection with a tender awarded to Medicare24. Masemola spoke outside the courthouse during his first appearance and said he did everything he could to halt the Medicare 24 tender. The case was postponed to 30 May 2026 after the State announced that it would be adding new charges to Masemola, who will be receiving a new charge sheet.

Source: Briefly News