BREAKING NEWS: Five More SAPS Senior Officers Suspended Over Medicare24 Tender Linked to Cat Matlala

Pretoria – The South African Police Service has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in connection with the controversial Medicare24 tender, bringing the total number of suspended SAPS members to 14.

The latest suspensions follow the precautionary suspension of nine police officers last Friday. Those officers served on the Bid Evaluation Committee that assessed bids for the Medicare24 contract, which provides medical services to SAPS members.

Link to Cat Matlala

The Medicare24 tender has been under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities and its reported links to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Matlala, who is facing separate charges including attempted murder and corruption in an unrelated case, has been named in affidavits and commission evidence as having interests in companies that benefited from SAPS medical contracts. Investigators are probing whether proper procurement procedures were followed and if there was undue influence in the awarding of the tender.

SAPS Response

In a statement, National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the five newly suspended senior officers were placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of internal departmental processes. 

"The SAPS will not provide further comment at this stage as internal processes are currently under way to ensure accountability and integrity within our procurement systems," Mathe said. She confirmed that all 14 officers remain on full pay but are barred from SAPS premises and from interfering with witnesses or evidence.

The Medicare24 contract, worth billions of rand, was meant to provide healthcare services to police members and their dependents. Concerns were raised about the evaluation process, the financial viability of the service provider, and allegations that due diligence on bidders was not properly conducted. The Hawks, SIU, and Public Protector have all shown interest in aspects of the tender. The Madlanga Commission has also heard testimony touching on SAPS procurement practices.

SAPS reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and said further disciplinary and criminal action will depend on findings from ongoing investigations.