“There is a greater motive” – Masemola claims witch-hunt against him

Suspended National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, says he believes there is a witch-hunt aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Masemola made the remarks after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he faces charges linked to the alleged unlawful awarding of a R360 million SAPS tender to Medicare24 in 2024.

Speaking outside court, Masemola suggested a smear campaign is being orchestrated against him.

Masemola maintains that there is more to the allegations against him than legal wrongdoing, claiming that individuals within and outside the South African Police Service (SAPS) may be working to bring him down.

He continues to maintain his innocence and says he is prepared to allow the legal process to take its course.

The top cop faces four charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The case, which now involves 15 individuals and two corporate entities, centres on the controversial SAPS R360 million Medicare24 tender, which has since been cancelled.

Alongside Matlala’s companies – Medicare24 Tshwane and Luxo Africa Brand – alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, his self-proclaimed girlfriend Rachael Matjeng, his business associate James Murray, and 11 police officials have also been joined to the matter.

The two companies have been cited in the matter amid allegations that kickbacks were paid to some of the officials involved.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is confident that the case against Masemola and his co-accused is strong, with the matter now consolidated.

NPA Gauteng spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed the consolidation.

“Matlala, as was indicated in the previous case, was joined now with the other accused. He is now accused number 17. That matter was what brought us here today, but also the matter of postponing this issue.”

The prosecution has been granted time until next month to finalise investigations, including a financial analysis of bank statements and the verification of information received.

NPA national spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said prosecutors prosecutors are confident in the strength of the evidence, adding that the involvement of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) is strengthening the case.

He also confirmed that all accused will be required to bring USB devices to the next court appearance to facilitate disclosure of evidence.

The accused will also be required to respond formally to the allegations.

The matter has been postponed to 26 June in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

While Masemola and several other suspects remain out on bail, Matlala remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, after the court ruled he should stay there rather than be transferred to Kokstad for easier access to proceedings.

The courtroom also saw legal reshuffling, with several defence attorneys withdrawing or being replaced, while legal teams for Masemola and Matlala remain unchanged.

The National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola, joined Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 16 others at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on four charges relating to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract to Medicare 24 Tshwane District.

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) May 13, 2026

Written by: Odirile Rabalao