By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Suspended South African police chief on Wednesday returned to the Pretoria Magistrate Court where he has been charged with failing in his duties to provide proper oversight in his role following a health contract now a subject of a criminal investigation.
The case is in connection with a tender awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024, which was meant to provide health services to the police.
Fannie Masemola, who was in court along alongside Matlala and over a dozen others is alleged to have taken part in awarding the controversial $21m (£15.5m) tender, which has since been cancelled.
The other accused, largely top police officers are answering to charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering in relation to the case.
At the hearing, the State said it had acquired new evidence and needed at least six weeks to complete the necessary verification against Masemola and co-accused.
The charges against them fall under section 38 of the law, which outlines the responsibilities of accounting officers.
Masemola, as the police’s accounting officer, has been accused of failing in his duties.
The case was adjourned till 26 June for further financial investigations, verification, and disclosure of the docket.
Masemola will remain on bail till the next adjourned date.
Speaking outside the court, following the hearing, the suspended police boss said he was innocent and that he believed there was a “greater motive” behind the case.
Allegations about the tender came up at an ongoing national inquiry set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa last September to look into alleged widespread corruption in the police force.
