Eleven senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers linked to the controversial Medicare24 tender have been suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary and related investigations.
The officers are accused of failing to perform their duties while serving on the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), which is responsible for assessing tender submissions and ensuring compliance with SAPS supply chain management regulations before contracts are awarded.
The suspensions form part of an ongoing investigation into the awarding of the Medicare24 contract and the alleged involvement of underworld figure Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala.
According to allegations, the officers failed to verify information submitted by Matlala during the tender evaluation process, despite their responsibility to ensure that all bid requirements were properly scrutinised.
Police have declined to comment in detail on the matter, citing ongoing investigations.
The suspended officers are also facing criminal charges and are currently out on bail. They have been charged with corruption and fraud in connection with the same tender award process.
The matter is expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on 26 June.
Previously, the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption alleged that several irregularities occurred during the awarding of the contract.
The directorate further claimed there was collusion between certain members of the Bid Evaluation Committee and Matlala during the procurement process.
The suspensions mark the latest development in a widening probe into alleged corruption and misconduct within SAPS procurement processes.
Investigations are continuing, with authorities expected to determine whether further disciplinary or criminal action will be taken against those implicated in the matter.