Seven suspended SAPS officers return to work as Medicare24 probe continues

Seven police officers suspended over their role in the Medicare24 tender have returned to work, the South African Police Service has confirmed. This return does not amount to exoneration; internal disciplinary processes and related investigations remain ongoing.

Return to duty while proceedings continue

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told IOL:

“Indeed, the members have returned to work. However, this should not be interpreted as them having been cleared, as disciplinary proceedings against them are still ongoing.”

Mathe said the investigation remains ongoing and that it would be premature to comment on an outcome because of the complexity of the matter.

Requests for comment and what is known

Requests for comment were made to SAPS and the commissioner’s office; no confirmation that the officers have been cleared has been provided.

Criminal investigations and the Medicare24 contract

The Medicare24 contract was initially budgeted at about R360m and ultimately awarded for about R228m. The contract was intended to provide medical screenings, wellness checks, illness assessments, pre-employment medical examinations and injury-on-duty assessments over a three-year period.

In March, businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, 12 senior police officers, a company director and two companies were arrested and later appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering.

The arrests were carried out by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a specialist unit within the National Prosecuting Authority. The state’s case alleges the procurement process was irregular from the outset, including that the tender was advertised with a closing date that fell short of the minimum advertising period required by National Treasury regulations.

Investigators also allege Medicare24 did not meet procurement requirements and that police officials unlawfully colluded with Matlala and his company during the process. The accused police officers and others charged are currently out on bail.

What SAPS has not disclosed

• The police service has not disclosed the identities of the suspended officers.
• SAPS has not detailed the specific allegations the officers face or the precise nature of their alleged involvement in the Medicare24 tender.

The SAPS statement and details cited above were provided to IOL.