The head of South Africa's police force has been summoned to appear in court in connection with a health contract that is the subject of a criminal investigation. General Fannie Masemola was served with a notice to appear in court on April 21 over his alleged role in the awarding of a controversial $21 million tender, a police spokesperson said. Authorities declined to disclose which charges he will face. Masemola, 62, is the third police boss to face a criminal investigation while in office, but there has been no word on his possible suspension - President Cyril Ramaphosa has only said he will be addressing the matter… in accordance with the law. The tender was awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala's company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024 and was meant to provide health services to the police. Following allegations of corruption linked to the awarding of the contract, a dozen senior police officers have been formally charged over their role in the deal, which has since been cancelled. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said the national commissioner has taken note of the charges brought against him and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes. South Africa's prosecuting authority said that Masemola had been served with the summons on Wednesday morning. We cannot divulge the charges until they are presented to him, said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago. Ramaphosa noted the news about Masemola, as well as the twelve senior officers charged over the contract. His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated that the president, working together with the minister of police, is committed to ensuring that the [force] remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate. Jackie Selebi was the first police chief to be charged while in office, sentenced in 2010 to fifteen years in prison after being convicted of taking bribes from an Italian drug lord. Khomotso Phahlane also faced charges in 2017, which were initially dropped but resurfaced in 2019.
South Africa's Police Chief Faces Legal Troubles Over Health Contract

South Africa's Police Chief Faces Legal Troubles Over Health Contract
General Fannie Masemola is summoned to court amid a criminal investigation into a controversial health service tender worth $21M.
General Fannie Masemola, the head of South Africa's police force, has been ordered to appear in court related to a criminal probe into a $21 million health contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District. This contract has been cancelled amid allegations of corruption, leading to formal charges against several senior police officials. President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the matter but has not indicated immediate action against Masemola. He is the third police chief in South Africa to face such allegations while in office.


















