President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is engaging with key stakeholders in the security cluster following the issuance of a court summons to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Masemola is expected to appear in court on April 21 in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services contract awarded to a company linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”.
The contract, awarded to Medicare 24 Tswane District, was cancelled in May last year after it was flagged for procurement irregularities and poor performance.
The development follows a court appearance by 12 senior police officers, including generals, at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday. They face charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering linked to the same contract.
Ramaphosa said discussions are ongoing and an announcement on the way forward will be made soon.
“I am having conversations with the various people who are involved in the security cluster and we will be making an announcement soon about what I am going to do,” he said.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Masemola could face four charges related to alleged non-compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The charges reportedly stem from the period between May 2024 and May 2025, during which Masemola, in his capacity as accounting officer of the SAPS, is alleged to have failed to comply with provisions of the Act in relation to the multi-million rand contract.
Further developments are expected as the presidency continues consultations and prepares to outline its response.