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 Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema, Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe, Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka, Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba, Brigadier Kirsty Jonker, Brigadier Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono, Brigadier Onica Ofentse Tlhoale, Colonel Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi, Colonel Anton Paulsen, and Colonel Natsenge Johannes Monyai.

Read also

South Africans speculate on Shadrack Sibiya's possible arrest after Madlanga Commission decision

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 to 26 June 2026. This is to allow further financial investigations to be completed and to update the charges linked to Masemola’s arrest.

Read also

Gauteng Hawks head among two senior police officers arrested over illicit precious metals trade

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.

Source: Briefly News