The Pretoria Magistrate's Court has formally withdrawn charges against Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola in connection with the R360 million SAPS health tender awarded to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Masemola was charged with four counts of contravening Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), relating to his responsibilities as an accounting officer. The case arose from a police healthcare procurement process involving Matlala's company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
The broader procurement was valued at about R360 million, while the contract at the centre of the court proceedings was put at R228 million. Investigators found irregularities in the procurement process, with at least R50 million paid before SAPS cancelled the contract in May 2025. Masemola was suspended after allegations that he failed to exercise adequate oversight over the tender. However, the charges did not allege that he personally committed fraud or corruption.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) review has now concluded that the evidence does not meet the threshold required for a successful prosecution. The NPA said that the decision to withdraw the charges was based on a thorough evaluation of the evidence. The review was conducted in accordance with the NPA's mandate to ensure that prosecutions are fair and in the public interest.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mothibi, invoked Section 179(5)(c) of the Constitution, read with Section 22(2)(b) of the NPA Act, to direct that the charges be withdrawn. Mothibi stated that continuing with a prosecution without sufficient evidence would not serve the public interest. The decision marks a significant turn in a case that placed scrutiny on SAPS procurement and Masemola's oversight responsibilities.
The case had raised concerns about the procurement process and the oversight role of the Police Commissioner General. Masemola's suspension was a result of allegations that he failed to exercise adequate oversight over the tender. However, the NPA's decision to withdraw the charges has cleared Masemola of any wrongdoing.
The NPA's decision has been welcomed by Masemola's supporters, who had argued that the charges were unfounded. The decision also highlights the importance of ensuring that prosecutions are based on sufficient evidence. The NPA's review process has ensured that the case was thoroughly evaluated before a decision was made.
The withdrawal of the charges against Masemola brings an end to a significant case that had raised concerns about SAPS procurement. The case has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in procurement processes. The NPA's decision has ensured that the public interest has been served, and that prosecutions are based on sufficient evidence.
Key points
- The charges against Fannie Masemola were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
- The NPA review concluded that there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
- The decision marks a significant turn in a case that placed scrutiny on SAPS procurement and Masemola's oversight responsibilities.
