Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared in court together for the first time on charges linked to the controversial R360 million SAPS Medicare24 tender.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
The case against controversial business tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and 12 other police officials over the R360 million SAPS Medicare24 tender has been postponed to June.
Masemola and Matlala appeared in court together for the first time in connection with the tender matter in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court
Masemola faces charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act.
Matlala and the 12 officers, who are co-accused in the case, face charges including fraud, money laundering, and breaches of financial legislation.
The matter was postponed to June 26, 2026, for further investigation, verification, and disclosure of the docket.
“I want to emphasise the request by the prosecutor that you all bring a USB to court so he can provide you with the necessary disclosure of the docket,” the magistrate said.
“The matter is then postponed for further investigation and disclosure purposes until 26 June this year in Court 16.”
The court also agreed that Matlala be held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility instead of eBongweni Correctional Centre pending the next hearing, citing ease of access.
“Accused number one (Matlala) remains in custody,” the magistrate said.
“I am endorsing the charge sheet and will ensure that the warrant for detention is endorsed so that he is kept at Kgosi Mampuru prison.”
“It is in the interests of both the state and the defence that he be detained at Kgosi Mampuru prison,” the court heard.
Matlala’s legal representative petitioned the court for his client to remain at the Pretoria facility. The request was granted.
Matlala had been held at the super-maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad after being transferred there in December.
The magistrate said the remaining 12 police officers would continue on bail.
“Accused numbers two to 16 are on bail and accused number 17 is warned by the court,” the magistrate said.
The police officers were previously granted bail ranging from R40,000 to R80,000.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News