‘Cat’ Matlala to face separate trial in R360m SAPS Medicare24 tender

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will be tried separately from 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in the case over the controversial Medicare24 health services contract, the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court heard on Wednesday.

Charges and contract details

Matlala faces charges of fraud and corruption linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a SAPS health services contract to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. The contract was advertised for R360 million, the state said the amount actually awarded and paid out was R228 million, and that the contract should never have been granted.

Timeline and arrests

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate arrested Matlala and 12 senior police officers in March. According to the court record, the contract was awarded in June 2024 and was cancelled in May 2025 after an internal audit flagged serious irregularities. By the time of cancellation, Matlala had allegedly received just over R50 million from SAPS.

Co-accused and bail status

Those charged alongside Matlala include suspended National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, who faces charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act, Medicare24 Group managing director James Murray, and a number of senior police officers:

• Major-General Busi Temba
• Brigadier Rachelle Matjeng
• Brigadier Ofentse Tlhoaele
• Brigadier Kistey Jonker
• Brigadier Thembinkosi Ngema
• Colonel Nehemiah Maleka
• Colonel Johannes Monyai
• Captain Brian Cartwright
• Colonel Anthony Paulsen
• Brigadier Petunia Lenono
• Colonel Nonjabulo Mngadi
• Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe

Matlala remains in custody. His co-accused are on bail ranging between R40,000 and R80,000.

Related proceedings

Matlala also faces a separate attempted murder trial. That matter includes 25 charges, among them 11 counts of attempted murder, and is scheduled to begin in July. Matlala is due to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday.

Investigation status

The state maintains the Medicare24 contract should not have been awarded. The matter remains before the courts as the separate trials proceed.