R360m SAPS Medicare24 case delayed to June as Masemola and ‘Cat’ Matlala appear together

Magistrate sets new date after first joint appearance

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has postponed the prosecution in the R360 million SAPS Medicare24 tender case to 26 June 2026. The matter was adjourned to allow for further investigation, verification and disclosure of the docket.

Who appeared and the charges

Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared in court together for the first time in connection with the tender. Masemola faces charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act.

Matlala and 12 police officers who are co-accused in the case face charges including fraud, money laundering and breaches of financial legislation.

Disclosure and practical steps ordered by the court

The magistrate repeated the prosecutor’s request that all accused bring a USB to court so the state can provide the necessary disclosure of the docket.

“I want to emphasise the request by the prosecutor that you all bring a USB to court so he can provide you with the necessary disclosure of the docket,” the magistrate said.

The court said the matter is postponed for further investigation and disclosure purposes until 26 June this year in Court 16.

Custody and bail decisions

The court ordered that Matlala remain in custody and be held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility rather than at eBongweni Correctional Centre, citing ease of access. The magistrate said they would endorse the charge sheet and the warrant for detention to ensure Matlala is kept at Kgosi Mampuru.

Matlala’s legal representative asked that he remain at the Pretoria facility, and the request was granted. The article notes Matlala had been held at the super-maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad after being transferred there in December.

The remaining 12 police officers will continue on bail. The magistrate said:

“Accused numbers two to 16 are on bail and accused number 17 is warned by the court.”

Police officers were previously granted bail ranging from R40,000 to R80,000.

Next steps

The case returns to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2026 for further investigation and disclosure. The court’s directions focused on docket verification and practical arrangements for disclosure to the accused.

Reporting: Simon Majadibodu / IOL News