General Fannie Masemola, South Africa's police chief, has been formally charged with failing in his duties regarding a health contract that has become the subject of a criminal investigation. The charges are linked to the awarding of a $21 million (£15.5 million) tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, which was intended to provide health services to the police but was cancelled after a year.
Masemola, 62, was charged with violating South Africa's Public Finance Management Act, which governs the management of public finances. This charge comes in the wake of a national inquiry into widespread corruption involving police officers and politicians. After his court appearance, Masemola maintained his innocence, stating, 'I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the [law] must take its course.'
The health contract was awarded in 2024 and subsequently cancelled in May 2025. Since then, multiple police officers have faced charges regarding the contract, with allegations of collusion with Matlala, who himself has been charged with corruption. Masemola stands out as the only one not charged with corruption, facing four counts related to his failure as the police's accounting officer.
Masemola's case has been postponed until May 13, where he will join others, including Matlala, in court. This case follows a history of investigations into police leadership, with Masemola being the third police chief to be scrutinized for criminal activities.
