By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A South African court has summoned head of the country’s police force to appear before it, in connection with a $21m (£15.5m) health contract, which has now become a subject of criminal investigation.
General Fannie Masemola “was served with a notice to appear in court” on 21 April over his alleged role in the contract awarding, a police spokesperson said.
The tender was awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024 and was meant to provide health services to the police.
Following allegations of corruption over the awarding of the contract, a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged over their role in the deal, which has since been cancelled.
They have been accused of colluding with Matlala, who has also been charged. They face corruption and fraud charges but have not yet been asked to plead.
Matlala according to a BBC report has also been charged with attempted murder, which he has denied.
General Masemola, 62, is the third police boss to face a criminal investigation while in office.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has not spoken on a possible suspension of the police chief, instead said he “will be addressing the matter… in accordance with the law”.
The allegations of how Matlala got the contract were made at an inquiry set up by Ramaphosa to look into corruption in the police force.
A Commission on the Madlanga case was established after a senior police officer claimed criminal gangs had infiltrated the government, an accusation that led to the sacking of the country’s police minister.
Police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe said the national commissioner “has taken note of the charges brought against him and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes”.
South Africa’s prosecuting authority (NPA) said that Masemola had been served with the summons on Wednesday morning.
“We cannot divulge the charges until they are presented to him,” said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Ramaphosa said he noted the news about General Masemola, as well as the 12 senior officers charged over the contract.
