JOHANNESBURG-(MaraviPost)-South Africa’s national police commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to appear in court on April 21, 2026, in connection with a health contract that is the subject of a criminal investigation.
The head of South Africa’s police force is facing charges related to the awarding of a $21m (£15.5m) tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Masemola, 62, is the third police boss to face a criminal investigation while in office, but there has been no word on his possible suspension.
The tender was awarded in 2024 and was meant to provide health services to the police, but it has since been cancelled amid allegations of corruption.
A dozen senior police officers have been formally charged over their role in the deal, and they face corruption and fraud charges.
Matlala, who has also been charged, is accused of colluding with the police officers and faces attempted murder charges, which he has denied.
The allegations of corruption were made at an inquiry set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to look into corruption in the police force.
The police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe, said Masemola has taken note of the charges and pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes.
The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa is committed to ensuring the police force remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate.
This is not the first time a South African police chief has faced corruption charges.
Jackie Selebi, the country’s longest-serving police boss, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010 for taking bribes from an Italian drug lord.
Khomotso Phahlane was also charged with corruption in 2017, but the charges were withdrawn in 2018.
