Twelve officers have been arrested in connection with the awarding of the R360m Medicare 24 Tshwane District contract linked to Vusimuzi Cat Matlala.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Twelve senior police officers were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the awarding of the R360m Medicare 24 Tshwane District contract.
The arrests were carried out by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the accused are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
They will face charges of corruption, fraud and alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
"The NPA’s IDAC effected an arrest of 12 senior police officers and a director of a company in relation to the irregular awarding of a tender to Medicare 24," Kganyago said.
"All accused are expected to make their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and contravention of the PFMA."
The Medicare 24 contract was awarded in 2024 to provide health and wellness services to police members.
Concerns were raised soon after the award about alleged irregularities, including missing compliance requirements and possible links between the winning bidder and officials involved in the process.
The contract was later cancelled in 2025 by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola after audits found it to be irregular.
The company linked to the contract is owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been in custody since May 2025.
Matlala, his wife Tsakane and their three co-accused are facing 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.
Matlala was denied bail and remains in a high-security prison.
This is a developing story.
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