National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola Cleared in Multi-Million Rand Tender Case
Criminal charges against suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola have been formally withdrawn in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The decision follows a comprehensive review by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution against the country’s top cop.
General Masemola was facing four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Unlike several of his co-accused, Masemola was not directly charged with fraud or corruption.
Instead, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) alleged that he failed in his capacity as the accounting officer to exercise adequate oversight and prevent compliance failures.
The charges were tied to a controversial, multi-million rand SAPS health services contract initially valued up to R360 million awarded to Medicare24. The private company is owned by prominent businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who remains a primary accused in the broader corruption and fraud case.
The contract, intended to provide medical support to thousands of police officers, was cancelled in May 2025 after auditors flagged widespread irregularities, but not before at least R50 million had already been paid out.
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi directed that the charges be officially dropped. In a statement reported by IOL, the NPA maintained that proceeding with the trial without sufficient evidence would not serve the public interest.
Legal experts and advocacy groups had previously questioned the basis of lumping Masemola’s administrative PFMA oversight charges into a massive sweeping trial alongside individuals facing severe criminal rackets.
While General Masemola walks free, the criminal case continues for the other co-accused. Several senior police officers and supply chain officials remain in the dock facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and corruption related to the procurement scheme.
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Masemola on a precautionary suspension earlier this year following