SAPS contract cancellation delays intake of 5,500 police recruits

The cancellation of a R360-million medical assessment contract with SAPS prevented the intake of 5,500 police recruits, according to a hearing by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police. The contract, between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned solely by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, covered various medical assessments.

Lynn Phillips, secretary of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, expressed disappointment that applicants had gone through the recruitment process, expecting to be employed by SAPS. She emphasized that these recruits would have helped minimize gang violence and the high crime rates in Cape Flats and Western Cape communities. The police top brass have been criticized for failing communities in the Western Cape, which are already under-resourced, particularly in terms of human capacity.

DA MP Nicholas Gotsell highlighted the supply chain issues in SAPS and the lack of police officers to protect communities, especially in gang-related areas. A recent SAPS report found Matlala’s tender to be questionable, alleging irregular bidding and fronting by seven police officers who served on the Bid Evaluation Committee.