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General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner of South Africa, has been formally charged with neglecting his responsibilities in connection with a contentious health contract that is currently under criminal investigation.
The 62-year-old police chief appeared in court today regarding his involvement in the awarding of a $21 million (£15.5 million) tender, which has since been revoked.
He is accused of breaching the Public Finance Management Act, which regulates the handling of public funds. This case arises amid a broader national inquiry into alleged corruption involving both law enforcement officials and politicians.
Following his court appearance, Masemola asserted his innocence to reporters, stating, “I know that I’m not guilty, I’m not wrong, but the [law] must take its course.”
The charges relate to a contract awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, intended to deliver health services to police personnel.
The contract was annulled in May 2025, and since then, numerous senior police officials have been charged in connection with the tender. They are accused of collaborating with Matlala, who also faces corruption charges. None of the accused have yet entered pleas.
Masemola is not facing corruption charges but is confronted with four counts of violating the public finance law. These allegations pertain to section 38 of the act, which delineates the duties of accounting officers. As the accounting officer for the police, Masemola is accused of failing to fulfill his obligations.
His case has been adjourned until May 13, when he will join 16 other defendants, including senior police officials and Matlala.
The allegations regarding Matlala’s acquisition of the contract surfaced during an inquiry known as the Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa last September to investigate corruption within the police force. Masemola marks the third police chief to be embroiled in a criminal investigation while serving in this capacity.
Jackie Selebi, who was the longest-serving police chief in the country, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010 after being found guilty of accepting bribes from Italian drug lord Glen Agliotti in exchange for overlooking his illegal activities.
In 2017, Khomotso Phahlane faced corruption charges that were dropped the following year; however, he was arrested again on similar accusations in 2019, which he denies. That case remains ongoing in court.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong