Four senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials have been served with notices of suspension as investigations intensify into the alleged irregular awarding of a multi-million-rand police health management contract.
The officials have already been charged internally for allegedly failing to follow prescribed bid adjudication committee procedures during the tender process.
The investigation centres on contracts awarded to Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
According to reports, the officials have been given until Monday to provide reasons why they should not be suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary and investigative processes.
The latest developments form part of a broader probe into the procurement process surrounding the lucrative contract, with authorities examining whether proper governance and procurement regulations were followed.
The potential suspensions signal an escalation in efforts to hold those involved accountable as scrutiny over the awarding of the tender continues to mount.
The matter remains under investigation, and further developments are expected as the process unfolds.
This is a developing story.