Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala during a previous court appearance. (Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP)
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) investigative directorate against corruption (Idac) denied on Saturday that it is deliberately targeting senior members of the police. This follows the arrest of 12 senior police officers and the serving of summonses on the national police commissioner.
The case relates to a controversial and allegedly irregular contract awarded by the police to the company Medicare 24. This company belongs to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is himself also an accused in the case.
According to Henry Mamothame, spokesman for Idac, the allegations that the directorate has an agenda against the police are unfounded. He says the case was already referred to Idac for investigation in 2024.
“The NPA indicated from the beginning that this matter was referred to Idac in 2024, during which investigations were carried out. It is also essential to note that this matter was referred to Idac for investigation by the police’s own risk audit unit, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered,” says Mamothame.
Social media and ‘false narratives’
Idac expressed its displeasure at rumors on social media that the arrests were related to statements made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the parliamentary ad hoc committee that investigated allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner in June 2025.
Mamothame warns that this type of speculation is dangerous.
“It is irresponsible and reckless of certain sectors of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were the result of statements made to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the parliamentary ad hoc committee.
“Idac respects the work of the commission and the ad hoc committee and will comply with the recommendations that follow,” he explains.
According to Idac, such false narratives are aimed at sowing division within law enforcement parties. Mamothame emphasizes that South Africans want to see the wheels of justice turn through cooperation, not through mutual conflict.
Oversight and accountability
In response to criticism that Idac is acting beyond its powers, the directorate pointed out that there is strict supervision of their work. A judge has been appointed to ensure that the division complies with all legal regulations and is held accountable.
“Idac, like many other law enforcement parties, is not independent of the law as portrayed by the false narratives. A judge has been appointed to oversee and ensure that there is compliance and accountability on how the division operates.
“It also offers every member of society a platform to report any improper actions by any official in the department, including the investigation director,” says Mamothame.
He warns that false and unfounded attacks may threaten the lives of investigating officers and their families, but that this will not stop Idac from continuing its work within the limits of the law.
Justice without fear or favor
The directorate also appealed to the public to respect the court processes so that all the evidence in the Medicare 24 case can be properly discussed. Mamothame says all actions so far have taken place strictly according to the legal instructions.
“Idac, as an important division within the NPA, adheres to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, preferences or prejudice. Every action was taken according to the proper applicable legal processes, and the arrests were based on evidence collected so far.”
With the criticism that certain other individuals should also have been charged, Mamothame says that they can only work with the evidence that is currently at their disposal.
“If the Madlanga Commission refers new information to Idac, it will be dealt with.”
Mamothame emphasizes that no rules were broken during the arrest of the accused in the Medicare 24 case or any other case where they were summoned to appear before the court.
“Idac will not allow crime to flourish and does everything in its power to prevent it within the framework of its mandate.”