Cachalia Confirms Masemola Charged: Top Cop Faces PFMA Case As SAPS Crisis Deepens

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been formally charged under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Cachalia clarified that the charges relate specifically to procurement processes and do not include corruption allegations. “General Masemola has been charged. The charges are under Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act. This concerns the standards that an accounting officer must meet in dealing with procurement decisions,” he told eNCA.

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Despite the charges, Masemola remains in his position as national commissioner while awaiting further direction from President Cyril Ramaphosa. Cachalia confirmed he will meet with the president as concerns grow over instability within SAPS.

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The case is linked to a controversial R360 million procurement contract involving Medicare24. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Masemola is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 21 April.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the court date but declined to disclose further details. “That’s all we can say, because we can’t talk about the contents of the summons,” he said.

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the summons is tied to the Medicare24 tender and confirmed Masemola will comply with legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the investigation has widened, with 12 senior police officers already arrested in connection with the same matter. Those facing charges include Rachel Matjeng, Temba, Kistey Jonker and Ofentse Tlhoaele. They are accused of offences including fraud, money laundering and breaches of the PFMA.

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At the centre of the controversy is businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, whose links to the multimillion-rand contract have triggered a sweeping probe into alleged corruption and procurement irregularities within SAPS.

In a related development, former senior officer Petunia Lenono has also been arrested. Her resignation shortly before the tender was awarded is now under scrutiny.

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Cachalia stressed that while Masemola does not face corruption charges, the allegations against others are more serious. “As far as I understand, others have been charged with corruption. General Masemola has not been charged with corruption. However, being charged under procurement legislation – the Public Finance Management Act – is serious enough,” he said.

The Presidency has acknowledged the situation, stating that any action regarding Masemola will follow due legal processes. Officials added that the president, together with the police ministry, remains focused on maintaining stability within SAPS as the investigation unfolds.