South Africa’s national police commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been formally charged in connection with a controversial health services contract that is under criminal investigation.
The 62-year-old general appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court after being accused of failing to properly exercise oversight in his role as accounting officer. The charges stem from a $21 million (£15.5 million) tender awarded in 2024 for the provision of healthcare services to the police.
Masemola faces four counts of breaching provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, which regulates the management of public funds. Prosecutors allege he did not fulfill his legal responsibilities under Section 38 of the act.
Speaking to reporters after a brief court appearance, Masemola denied any wrongdoing.
“I know that I’m not guilty, I’m not wrong, but the law must take its course,” he said.
The contract in question was awarded to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, whose firm Medicare24 Tshwane District was tasked with delivering health services to police personnel. The deal was cancelled in May 2025 amid mounting concerns over alleged irregularities.
Since then, at least a dozen senior police officials have been charged over their alleged involvement in the tender process. Authorities claim some officials colluded with Matlala, who himself faces corruption charges. None of the accused have yet entered pleas in court.
Masemola, notably, is the only individual so far not charged with corruption. Instead, his charges relate specifically to administrative failures tied to financial oversight.
The case has been postponed until 13 May, when Masemola is expected to appear alongside 16 co-accused, including senior officers and Matlala.
The allegations surrounding the tender emerged during hearings of the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September last year to investigate corruption within the police service.
Masemola is the third South African police chief to face criminal scrutiny while in office. Former commissioner Jackie Selebi was sentenced in 2010 to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes from convicted drug trafficker Glen Agliotti.
Another former chief, Khomotso Phahlane, was charged with corruption in 2017. Although those charges were later withdrawn, he was re-arrested on similar allegations in 2019. That case remains before the courts, and Phahlane denies any wrongdoing.
The latest developments add to growing concerns over systemic corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.