The South African Police Service has suspended nine officers implicated in the allegedly irregular awarding of a medical services contract to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
As reported by IOL News, the officers served on the bid evaluation committee responsible for a tender initially budgeted at R360m but ultimately awarded to Medicare24 for approximately R228m in 2024. The contract was designed to provide wellness checks, pre-employment medical examinations, and injury-on-duty assessments over a three-year term.
The disciplinary action stems from an ongoing inquiry by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, which alleges the procurement process was flawed from the outset. According to the state, the tender was advertised in January 2024 for a duration shorter than the 21-day period mandated by National Treasury regulations, despite no proven urgency. Investigators further alleged that out of 22 bidding companies, Medicare24 failed to meet the baseline requirements of an acceptable tender but was nevertheless selected due to unlawful collusion.
Police spokesperson brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the developments on Friday, noting that the officers were placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary investigations. “Police remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its operations,” the spokesperson stated. She confirmed that the police would not offer further comment while the internal processes remain active.
The suspensions follow the March arrests of 12 senior police personnel, including a major general and several brigadiers, alongside Matlala and a company director. The group faces charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering, and the accused officers are currently out on bail ranging between R40,000 and R80,000 following their appearance at the Pretoria magistrate’s court. Matlala remains in custody after being denied bail in a separate legal matter.
