South Africa Police Chief Fannie Masemola Charged Over Canceled £15.5 Million Health Contract

General Fannie Masemola, South Africa's police chief, has been formally charged with four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act. The charges, laid against the 62-year-old, stem from his alleged failure to provide proper oversight regarding a now-cancelled £15.5 million tender awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Masemola appeared briefly at Pretoria Magistrate's Court, stating to journalists, "I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the [law] must take its course." He is accused of breaching Section 38 of the Act, which outlines the responsibilities of accounting officers. Unlike a dozen other senior police officers and Matlala himself, who face corruption charges in connection with the same contract, Masemola has not been charged with corruption.

The tender, intended to provide health services to the police, was rescinded in May 2025. Allegations surrounding the contract's awarding emerged during the Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September to investigate police corruption. Masemola's case has been postponed until 13 May, when he will join 16 other defendants in court.

Masemola is the third police chief in South Africa to face criminal investigation during their tenure. Jackie Selebi, a former police boss, received a 15-year prison sentence in 2010 for bribery. Khomotso Phahlane, another predecessor, faced corruption charges in 2017 and was re-arrested on similar counts in 2019; his case remains before the courts.