Pretoria — National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2026 after making a brief appearance on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 on charges related to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Masemola faces four counts of contravening the PFMA, a law that governs financial management within state institutions. During proceedings, the State indicated its intention to have the commissioner joined in an ongoing case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” and 15 others.
According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), the charges are linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract, valued at approximately R228 million, to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala.
The prosecutor told the court that investigations are at an advanced stage but are still awaiting key evidence, including bank statements. On this basis, the state requested a postponement and formally proposed that Masemola be incorporated into the broader case against Matlala and his co-accused.
The court granted the postponement, with the matter set to resume next month.
Speaking to the media after his appearance, Masemola maintained his innocence, expressing confusion over the charges and his proposed inclusion in the high-profile case.
“I stopped the contract. I don’t know why I would be here,” he said. “We should be fighting organised crime. I’ve not done any corruption, and I don’t know why I should be joined with him (Matlala) in the dock.”
Despite the legal proceedings, Masemola emphasised that the work of the police must continue uninterrupted. He urged members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to remain focused on their mandate.
“The police service must continue doing their work. We’ve discovered a lot with organised crime,” he said. “Members must stay positive and serve the people of South Africa,” he added
Masemola also suggested that law enforcement is making progress in tackling organised crime networks, though he did not provide further details.
“I know I am not guilty,” he added. “I may be seen next to serious criminals, but I know I am not wrong. We know who is behind organised crime in the country. Let’s stay focused,” he concluded.
