Twelve senior police officers and a company director were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the irregular award of a R360 million contract for Medicare 24 in the Tshwane District.
The arrests were carried out by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), the NPA said. Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that all the accused are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
"The NPA’s IDAC effected an arrest of 12 senior police officers and a director of a company in relation to the irregular awarding of a tender to Medicare 24," Kganyago said. "All accused are expected to make their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and contravention of the PFMA."
The Medicare 24 contract, awarded in 2024, was intended to provide health and wellness services to police members in the Tshwane District. Concerns were raised shortly after the award about alleged irregularities, including missing compliance requirements and possible links between the successful bidder and officials involved in the procurement process.
Following audits that found the tender to be irregular, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola cancelled the contract in 2025. The company linked to the award is owned by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been in custody since May 2025.
Matlala, his wife Tsakane and three co‑accused face a total of 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. Matlala was denied bail and remains in a high‑security prison.
This latest set of arrests forms part of the broader probe into the awarding and administration of the Medicare 24 tender. Further court proceedings and investigations are expected as the matter develops.
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