By Anita Dangazele
- All nine suspended officers sat on the bid evaluation committee that approved a R228m medical contract linked to Cat Matlala.
- The officers were arrested in March alongside Matlala and 12 senior police officials on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Nine police officers have been suspended over their alleged role in approving a controversial medical contract linked to jailed businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
All nine sat on the SAPS bid evaluation committee that approved the deal.
The suspensions follow arrests made in March, when IDAC, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, charged Matlala, 12 senior police officers, a company director and two companies with fraud, corruption and money laundering. Those arrested included a major general, several brigadiers and colonels.
The South African Police Service confirmed the suspensions on Friday.
The officers are accused of unlawfully awarding the contract to Matlala’s company, Medicare24.
“The affected members have been placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations,” the statement read.
The contract was meant to provide medical screenings, wellness checks, pre-employment examinations and injury-on-duty assessments for SAPS members over three years. It was budgeted at R360-million and ultimately awarded at R228-million. Investigators say the final price is beside the point. Medicare24 allegedly tampered with bid documents and lacked the required credentials, meaning it should never have been considered at all.
The state says the tender was irregular from the start. SAPS advertised it on 31 January 2024 with a closing date of 19 February — less than the 21-day minimum required by National Treasury regulations. No approval was obtained to shorten the period, and the charge sheet alleges the contract was not urgent enough to justify it.
Twenty-two companies submitted bids. Medicare24 was the only one that walked away with the contract.
The arrested officers and other accused are out on bail of between R40,000 and R80,000. Matlala remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, where he abandoned a bail application in a separate matter.
Pictured above: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and co-accused during a previous court appearance.
Image source: @TheTruthPanther/X
