Suspended police commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday alongside businessman Vusumuzi Matlala and several senior police officers in connection with the controversial Medicare tender scandal.
Masemola faces charges relating to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act, while Matlala and 12 other accused are facing charges of fraud and corruption linked to the awarding of a Medicare tender now valued at R228 million.
Although the tender had previously been reported as worth R360 million, the National Prosecuting Authority has revised the figure to R228 million.
The case was postponed to 26 June 2026 to allow for further investigations, verification processes and disclosure of the court docket.
According to the State, new evidence has recently been obtained and investigators require at least six weeks to complete the necessary verification procedures.
During proceedings, Matlala’s legal representative requested that his client remain detained at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility. The court approved the request.
Matlala had previously been held at the super-maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre after being transferred there in December.
All the accused, except Matlala, have been released on bail.
Speaking outside court, Masemola maintained his innocence and suggested there may be ulterior motives behind the case against him.
“I think there is more to it. I don’t know what it is. But somewhere, somehow, there is a greater motive,” he said.
“But we will wait for the processes to unfold. I know I’m innocent.”