National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning in connection with a controversial R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender.
The summons relates to an allegedly irregular contract awarded to Medicare 24, a company linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”.
Matlala, along with 15 co-accused including senior police officials has already appeared in the same court. They face multiple charges, including fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Speaking in Durban last month, Masemola said he would cooperate fully with the legal process, maintaining that he has acted within the law.
“I have not been charged; I have been summoned to appear in court, which anyone can receive. As far as whether I have done anything wrong, no, I did not do anything wrong. I cancelled the contract and followed the proper processes,” Masemola said.
The tender awarded to Medicare 24’s Tshwane district operation was terminated in May last year after it was flagged for procurement irregularities and poor performance.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that he is consulting relevant stakeholders regarding the summons issued to the police commissioner.
Ramaphosa indicated that an update on the matter would be provided in due course as investigations continue.