Twelve SAPS Officers Arrested In R360m Medicare 24 Tender Probe Linked To Cat Matlala

A corruption investigation into a R360 million police health services tender has resulted in the arrest of 12 senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers.

The arrests, carried out on Tuesday, relate to the awarding of the Medicare 24 contract in Tshwane, which has been under scrutiny over alleged procurement irregularities.

Authorities confirmed that the accused will appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where they are expected to face multiple charges linked to the controversial deal.

SAPS Officers To Appear In Court On Corruption And Fraud Charges

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) confirmed that the arrests include a company director connected to the tender.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said: “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.”

“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 charges stem from the awarding of the contract in 2024, which was intended to provide health and wellness services to police members in the Tshwane district.

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Concerns about the tender emerged shortly after it was awarded, with questions raised over compliance requirements and possible links between the bidder and officials involved in the process.

Following an audit, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola cancelled the contract in 2025 after it was found to be irregular.

Cat Matlala’s Company At Centre Of Controversial Police Contract

The company awarded the tender is owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been in custody since May 2025.

Matlala, alongside his wife Tsakane and three co-accused, faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering.

Matlala was denied bail and was moved to a high-security prison. He has also appeared before the parliament’s ad hoc committee probing police corruption.