Masemola returns to court as charges over health tender expected to be officially withdrawn

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is set to return to court on Tuesday, 22 September, as charges related to the contentious South African Police Service (Saps)-Medicare24 tender are expected to be officially withdrawn. Masemola is scheduled to appear in Pretoria Magistrates Court. She was previously suspended following accusations that she did not provide adequate oversight in the multi-million-rand health contract awarded to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.

Four charges of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) were brought against Masemola in connection with the procurement, which was valued at approximately R360 million, with the central contract being a R228 million deal.

Investigators determined that the procurement process was irregular, and a sum of at least R50 million was paid before Saps canceled the contract in May 2025. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided to withdraw the charge of violating the Public Finance Management Act, stating that there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Masemola's possible reinstatement to her position is being discussed, and a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly under consideration.

Masemola's legal representative informed the Pretoria Magistrate's Court earlier this month that he submitted formal representations to NPA head Advocate Andy Mothibi, requesting the withdrawal of the charges. The prosecution of Masemola has also been questioned during proceedings at the Madlanga commission. Evidence presented to the commission suggested that Masemola may have been targeted by Idac as part of an effort to remove her from her position.

Andrea Johnson, former head of Idac, has disputed the allegation, although she acknowledges that Masemola should have been charged separately. Johnson explained that Masemola was charged under section 38 of the PFMA in her capacity as the accounting officer of Saps. The allegations include her failure to prevent irregular and fruitless expenditure and her alleged failure to stop payments under the contract despite being alerted to irregularities.