During recent proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, Chairperson Madlanga raised concerns over the timing of information shared by suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya regarding the controversial Medicare24 contract.
The contract, valued at R360 million and awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 in June 2024 for providing medical services to the South African Police Service (SAPS), was abruptly cancelled by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on 13 May 2025 following an internal audit that flagged irregularities.
However, evidence presented at the commission revealed that Sibiya shared the confidential Medicare24 audit report in March 2025 – two months prior to the cancellation. Chairperson Madlanga noted this discrepancy, suggesting that Sibiya’s actions may have indirectly alerted Matlala to ongoing developments behind the scenes, potentially allowing the alleged crime figure to prepare or respond to the impending termination.
Sibiya, who has been testifying for multiple days, faces scrutiny over his relationship with Matlala, including meetings as early as January 2024 – before the tender was officially awarded – and allegations of receiving financial favors in exchange for influencing SAPS matters. Sibiya has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was unaware of the full extent of criminal allegations against Matlala at the time of their interactions and insisting that his engagements were professional.
The commission also probed Sibiya on conflicting testimony, such as varying dates for his first meeting with Matlala (January vs. February 2024), and his sharing of sensitive information with intermediaries like Major General Patrick Nkosi, who allegedly forwarded details to businessman Steve Motsumi. Sibiya expressed feeling “let down” by Nkosi for sharing the audit details without authorization, though he acknowledged Matlala and Motsumi’s connection.
This revelation adds to the growing scrutiny on potential corruption within SAPS procurement processes, with the Madlanga Commission continuing to uncover links between high-ranking officials and controversial figures like Matlala, who has been implicated in various criminal investigations. The contract’s cancellation followed audit findings of irregularities, and Masemola has indicated plans to re-advertise the tender.
As the inquiry progresses, further testimony is expected to shed light on whether Sibiya’s actions compromised the integrity of the cancellation process or provided Matlala with an unfair advantage. The commission’s findings could have significant implications for accountability in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.