By Mapaballo Borotho
- The NPA’s anti-corruption unit has denied claims that it is targeting senior SAPS officials in the R360 million tender probe.
- This comes after the arrest of 12 senior cops and the summoning of Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
- Authorities insist the case stems from a 2024 audit referral and urge the public to allow the legal process to proceed.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has dismissed allegations that it is deliberately targeting senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials.
This follows the arrest of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused on charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), linked to the irregular awarding of a R360 million SAPS tender.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has also been summoned to appear in court to testify in relation to the controversial contract.
Masemola’s summons has sparked backlash on social media, with some South Africans questioning the timing. Critics argue it coincides with the pending contract renewal of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
However, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame rejected these claims, stating that the matter was referred to the unit in 2024 by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit after suspected irregularities were identified.
“The NPA has, from the onset, indicated that this matter was referred to IDAC in 2024, where investigations were conducted,” Mamothame said.
He described it as reckless to suggest that the arrests were influenced by submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry or the Parliamentary ad hoc committee probing allegations linked to Mkhwanazi.
Mamothame urged the public to allow due legal processes to unfold, adding that all evidence related to the Medicare24 case will be tested in court.
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