By Mapaballo Borotho
- Twelve senior police officials have been arrested over the irregular awarding of a R360 million Medicare 24 tender.
- The contract, linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, was later cancelled after being deemed irregular.
- Matlala remains behind bars on separate serious charges, including attempted murder.
Twelve senior police officials are expected to appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in connection with the irregular awarding of a R360 million tender to Medicare 24.
The group was arrested on Tuesday evening on charges of corruption, fraud, and alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The Medicare 24 contract was awarded in 2024 to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to provide health and wellness services to police members.
Concerns were raised shortly after the award over 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 Matlala, who was arrested last year for allegedly ordering a hit on his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.
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 remains in custody at eBongweni Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.
N.B. This is a developing story…
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