Fannie Masemola (Photo: SAPS/Facebook)
The national police commissioner, gen. Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to appear in court regarding the police’s Medicare 24 contract.
Police confirmed the summons had been issued. More arrests are expected over the next few days.
This comes after Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and 13 other high-ranking police officers appeared in the magistrate’s court in Pretoria on Wednesday under heavy police guard.
Bail was granted to all the accused except Matlala who remains in custody on 25 charges, which include 11 charges of attempted murder.
Matlala’s co-accused were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the awarding of a healthcare contract of R228 million which was awarded in 2024 to one of Matlala’s companies.
The group includes captains, brigadiers and even a major general.
Those co-defendants include James George Murray (46), Capt. Brian Neville Cartwright (45), brig. Rachel Matjeng (51), brig. Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema (60), Nnyimeleni Patrick Nethengwe (55), col. Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka (45), genl. Busisiwe Precious Temba (58), brig. Kristy Jonker (53), Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono (47), Brig. Onicca Ofentse Tlhoaele (50), Nonjabulo Nomfundo Brightness Mngadi (47), oudkol. Anton Paulsen (61) a col. Natsengae Johannes Monayi (47).
According to the state, the accused all conspired to award a fraudulent tender contract to Medicare 24 Tshwane for which the South African Police Service paid more than R50 million.
The state claims the total value of the contract was more than R228 million.
Among other things, this tender would provide for wellness screening tests, assessments for retirement on medical grounds and temporary disability leave.
Matjeng, who became infamous for her testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that she was Matlala’s lover, occasionally leaned over to chat with him in the dock. She also testified before the commission at the time that Matlala paid for her Ozempic injections.
Matlala was dressed in a smart suit and appeared calm.