By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has allayed fears about the stability of the SAPS following the charging of National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola in connection with the multi-million rand Medicare24 tender.
Masemola faces charges linked to a controversial R360 million police tender awarded two years ago to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare 24 Tshwane District.
The national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Masemola had been served with a notice to appear in court on 21 April.
“General Masemola remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and integrity of the office he serves. He has taken note of the charges brought against him, and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes, said Mathe.”
When Masemola is officially charged, he will join the ranks of former police boss Jackie Selebi, who went on to become a convict, and former acting police boss Khomotso Phahlane, who has denied criminal accusations against him.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said, “President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law. The President, working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate.”
Ramaphosa has promised to address the matter in accordance with the law.
“We cannot have a Police Commissioner that is also attending to court matters.” — said Vincent Magwenya, presidency spokesperson.
It appears that Masemola may be placed on special leave while investigations are underway.
Magwenya added that the president will first seek guidance from legal experts to ensure that any decision taken is lawful and in line with proper procedures.
This comes after twelve South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, along with Matlala and his business associate James Murray, were arrested in connection with the tender on Tuesday.
They appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on charges including fraud, corruption and contravening the Public Finance Management Act.