Suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday alongside businessman Vusumuzi Matlala and several senior police officers in connection with the controversial Medicare tender investigation.
Masemola is facing charges related to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act, while Matlala and 12 co-accused are charged with fraud and corruption.
The case centres on the Medicare contract, which the National Prosecuting Authority now says is valued at R228 million. The tender had previously been reported to be worth R360 million.
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The matter was postponed to 26 June 2026 to allow investigators more time to finalise outstanding work, including verification of evidence and disclosure of the case docket.
According to the State, new evidence has recently been obtained, and prosecutors requested at least six weeks to complete the necessary checks and prepare the documentation.
The postponement means all accused will return to court at the end of June as the investigation continues to unfold.
‘Cat’ Matlala To Remain At Kgosi Mampuru Prison
Matlala’s legal team asked the court for him to remain at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility, and the request was granted.
He had previously been held at eBongweni Super-Maximum Correctional Centre after being transferred there in December.
All of the other accused, with the exception of Matlala, remain out on bail.
Masemola Says He Believes There Is A ‘Greater Motive’
Speaking to journalists outside court, Masemola maintained his innocence and suggested there may be more behind the prosecution.
“I think there is more to it. I don’t know what is it. But somewhere, somehow, there is a greater motive. But we will wait for the processes to unfold but I know I’m innocent,” he said.
