PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-In a significant blow to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 12 senior police officers have been arrested in connection with a R360 million tender corruption case involving alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The officers, including a general, brigadiers, colonels, and a captain, were taken into custody by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on Tuesday night.
The arrests are linked to the irregular awarding of a tender to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Matlala, which was supposed to provide health and wellness services to police members.
The contract was later cancelled in 2025 after audits found it to be irregular.
Notably, General Sibiya, General Shiburi, and Sergeant Nkosi are not among those arrested, but more arrests are expected in the coming days.
The 12 officers will appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
Matlala, who is already facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice, is expected to face fresh charges related to the tender.
The investigation is ongoing, and the IDAC is working to dismantle police capture networks and hold those responsible accountable.