South African anti-corruption investigators have arrested 12 senior police officers over allegations of fraud and corruption, with the suspects appearing in court in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The arrests are linked to a controversial contract for health and well-being services awarded to a private company. According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s anti-corruption unit, a 13th suspect, identified as a company director, was also taken into custody.
Among those appearing in court was Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, owner of Medicare24, the company awarded the contract. Matlala, who is suspected of links to organised crime, is already being held in a maximum-security prison on separate attempted murder charges.
Authorities allege that some of the arrested officers were members of the bid committee responsible for evaluating and awarding the contract and should have disqualified the company’s application.
In a related development, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been served with a warrant to appear in court next month as part of the ongoing investigation. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the development during court proceedings.
The case forms part of broader probes into alleged high-level corruption within the police service. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter and suspended the police minister last year amid mounting allegations.
A separate parliamentary inquiry is also examining claims that senior police officials maintained corrupt relationships with alleged crime bosses, including accusations of receiving payments in exchange for protection or favours.
All 12 officers submitted affidavits supporting their bail applications, with prosecutors indicating they would not oppose bail at this stage. The case continues as authorities intensify efforts to address systemic corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
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