Suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and his co-accused returned to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 August 2026, in connection with the controversial R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) Medicare24 tender.
The case involves Masemola and several senior police officials accused of wrongdoing linked to the awarding of a health services contract to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company allegedly associated with businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
According to SABC News’ report on the case, Masemola faces four charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), while other accused face allegations including fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Also see: Cat Matlala returns to Madlanga Commission as testimony resumes
Fannie Masemola seeks to have charges withdrawn
Friday’s proceedings came as Masemola’s legal team continued efforts to have the charges against him reconsidered.
According to The Citizen, Masemola’s lawyers submitted formal representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi, on 7 August 2026, asking the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw the prosecution against him.
His lawyer told the court that the defence would welcome a decision on those representations before the next court appearance. The request comes amid indications that the NPA is reviewing aspects of the case against the suspended commissioner.
Masemola is not facing the same corruption and fraud charges as several of his co-accused. His four PFMA charges relate to alleged failures in his role as SAPS accounting officer, including allegations that he failed to prevent irregular and wasteful expenditure.
Masemola has denied the allegations against him.
The criminal proceedings stem from a SAPS health services tender allegedly awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024. The broader contract was initially valued at approximately R360 million, while the contract at the centre of criminal proceedings was ultimately worth about R228 million.
Prosecutors allege that at least R50 million was paid before the contract was cancelled in May 2025 after an internal audit identified irregularities.
Also see: Brigadier Rachel Matjeng opens up on relationship with Cat Matlala at Madlanga Commission
Case postponed to September
After this morning’s brief appearance, the matter was postponed to 29 September 2026.
The case is also expected to move from the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to the Pretoria Regional Court. Prosecutor Santhos Manilall confirmed that a regional court date had been secured.
ENCA reports have confirmed that the case was postponed to 29 September 2026, with the State expected to formally rejoin Matlala to the proceedings after his plea agreement became invalid.
Also see: Tebogo Thobejane revisits scene of alleged hit ahead of Cat Matlala trial
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