EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Cat Matlala face blue-lights fraud charges
Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on fraud and corruption charges over allegations that vehicles linked to Matlala’s security company.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has requested the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw the charges he faces in the South African Police Service (Saps)-Medicare24 tender case. The case returned to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on August 28, 2026, alongside charges against six other accused individuals. Masemola's legal representative stated that the prosecution team had reached out directly to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi to discuss representations regarding the charges.
If successful, these representations could lead to the withdrawal of the charges before the next court appearance. The case involves charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), stemming from irregularities in a health services tender awarded to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Masemola. The procurement was valued at R228 million, with at least R50 million paid before the Saps cancelled the contract in May 2025.
The broader procurement was worth about R360 million. Former Idac head Andrea Johnson has disputed allegations that Masemola was targeted as part of an effort to remove him from his position, but acknowledged he should have been charged separately.
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