By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and other high raking police officers appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
They’re are all linked to the irregular awarding of the R360-million SAPS Medicare24 tender.
Medicare 24, the company owned by Matlala, was awarded the contract to provide healthcare services to South African Police Service (SAPS) officers.
Masemola faces charges of breaching the Public Finance Management Act. Matlala and the 12 other officers have been charged with fraud and corruption.
During the proceedings, the State said it had acquired new evidence and needed at least six weeks to complete the necessary verification.
“The state will disclose the contents of the docket to the defence. Legal representatives are required to bring 128GB USB devices, on which the information will be provided, “the prosecutor told the court.
A postponement was requested to allow investigations to continue and to incorporate the additional accused into the case. The additional accused refers to Masemola, who is represented by Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane.
The magistrate said, “I want to emphasise the request by the prosecutor that you all bring a USB to court so he can provide you with the necessary disclosure of the docket”.
The court also agreed that Matlala be held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Tshwane instead of eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad pending the next hearing, citing ease of access.
“Accused number one (Matlala) remains in custody,” the magistrate said.
“I am endorsing the charge sheet and will ensure that the warrant for detention is endorsed so that he is kept at Kgosi Mampuru prison.”
“The matter is then postponed for further investigation and disclosure purposes until 26 June this year in Court 16, Magistrate ruled.
The matter was postponed to June 26, 2026, for further investigation, verification, and disclosure of the docket.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says new information has been obtained in relation to the case and they are finalising financial analysis.
Meanwhile the prominent taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni and co-accused appearing in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga for the bail application.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, it is alleged that the suspects demanded money from a businessman over an extended period until he reported the matter to the Kwaggafontein Police Station.
Elsewhere SAPS have arrested 11 people including four Mexican nationals after a major drug lab bust in Swartruggens, North West on Wednesday. The drugs are estimated to the street value of R100 million and the scene is still active.