Five more senior SAPS officers suspended in Medicare24 tender probe

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has suspended five additional senior officers as internal investigations and disciplinary processes continue over the controversial Medicare24 tender, the service said in a brief statement.

Suspensions deepen scrutiny on Medicare24 contract

The latest suspensions follow an earlier round in which nine police officers were suspended for their alleged role in securing the R360-million contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024. The total number of senior police officials now implicated stands at 14.

SAPS statement and limited public detail

In a brief statement issued on Monday, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspensions form part of matters arising from the Medicare24 tender and that internal departmental processes are under way.

“Internal departmental processes are currently underway, and in the interest of preserving the integrity of these processes, the SAPS will not provide further comment at this stage,”

the statement said.

Allegations and related criminal proceedings

The contract was initially budgeted at about R360 million but was ultimately awarded for about R228 million. It 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 appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering. Those charged included a major general, several brigadiers and colonels who were serving members of the SAPS at the time of their arrest.

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption involvement

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 tender process was irregular from the outset, saying the tender was advertised on 31 January 2024 with a closing date of 19 February a period shorter than the minimum 21 days required by National Treasury regulations.

The charge sheet further alleges the tender was not urgent and that no approval was obtained to shorten the advertising period. Investigators also claimed that, although 22 companies submitted bids, Medicare24 did not meet the requirements of an acceptable tender and should not have been considered, but was awarded the contract nonetheless.

The state alleges police officials unlawfully colluded with Matlala and his company throughout the procurement process.

Bail and custody status

The police officers and other accused arrested in the case are currently out on bail of between R40,000 and R80,000. Matlala remains behind bars after he was denied bail in a separate matter, the reporting said.

What SAPS has not disclosed

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