By Anita Dangazele
- Police commissioner Fannie Masemola will join businessman Vusimuzi Matlala and 15 others in court on 13 May over a tender case.
- Police admit public trust has weakened, while commissioner denies corruption charges and questions why he faces charges under financial law.
South Africans are again watching the police leadership in court. This comes as the police admit that public trust in them has weakened.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The court postponed his case to 13 May.
The state said it wants Masemola to join businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 others. They are all linked to a R360 million police health services tender.
Masemola faces charges linked to the Public Finance Management Act. This law controls how public money must be used.
Speaking outside court, Masemola denied wrongdoing. “I have not done corruption. I have been charged with PFMA. I don’t know why,” he said.
Earlier, Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said this is a “defining moment” for the police. She said it tests their commitment to accountability and respect for the law.
“As an organisation, we have always stood for the principle that no one is above the law,” said Mathe.
She said the police must not be defensive. She also urged the public to remember officers who continue to serve communities daily.
“We need to accept that public trust has eroded, and that there is a need to rebuild,” she said.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption arrested Matlala and others over the tender. They face charges of corruption, fraud and breaking financial laws.
Pictured above: Police commissioner Fannie Masemola appears in court and will return with co accused in May.
Image source: X
