The South African Police Service confirmed on Friday, 5 June 2026, that nine officers linked to the controversial Medicare24 tender have been suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary and related investigations.
The suspended officers served on the Bid Evaluation Committee that assessed the R360 million health services contract before it was awarded to a company associated with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman described in court and parliamentary proceedings as an alleged underworld figure with ties to police corruption networks, as reported by TimesLive.
What the Medicare24 tender is
The contract, awarded in 2024, was a wellness and medical services deal for SAPS members.
It was awarded to Matlala’s company despite the business having no established track record in rendering medical services.
The irregularity drew immediate attention from investigators and lawmakers and has since become a central case study in two separate official inquiries.
The Medicare24 matter is now at the core of the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining criminal infiltration of the police service.
A parallel parliamentary investigation into criminal networks operating within SAPS and the broader criminal justice system has also heard testimony about how the procurement process was manipulated to ensure Matlala’s company received the award.
The suspended officers carried a fiduciary responsibility to assess bids objectively and ensure compliance with supply chain management regulations. Their suspension indicates that SAPS leadership has concluded, at least procedurally, that the bid evaluation process was compromised.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the action, stating the officers had been “placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations.”
Mathe added that “the SAPS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct in all its operations.”
Where the criminal case stands
Separate from the internal disciplinary process, the nine officers face ongoing criminal proceedings.
They are currently out on bail of between R40,000 and R80,000 and are due to appear at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Friday, 26 June 2026, alongside their co-accused.
Former National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has also been added as an accused in the criminal case.
Masemola was suspended from his position by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2026 following the emergence of his alleged involvement in the awarding of the contract.
The suspensions of the nine BEC members represent the most significant institutional accountability SAPS has taken in the Medicare24 matter to date.
Whether further disciplinary action follows before the 26 June court appearance depends on the pace of the Madlanga Commission’s recommendations and the National Prosecuting Authority’s prosecution timeline.
