Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala was already under scrutiny when his company, Medicare24, secured a multimillion-rand tender from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police acknowledgment of the matter follows a court appearance in which a dozen officers, alongside Matlala and one of his employees, faced charges including fraud and corruption.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) alleges that Matlala, with the assistance of 13 co-accused, fraudulently obtained the tender by falsely claiming that Medicare24 had the capacity to provide the required services—capacity it did not possess.
“I think he had 18 cases either withdrawn or pending against him, and he was under investigation for the attempted murder of Mr. Josie as well as DJ Vettis. He also faces a fraud case related to a falsified Eswatini ID. A person with such a record should not have been awarded a high-value tender,” said National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenta Mathe, speaking outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court where Matlala and his alleged accomplices appeared.
The suspects in the case are:
- Vusimuzi Matlala
- James Murray
- Brian Cartwright
- Rachel Matjeng
- Alpheus Ngema
- Nyimeleni Nethengwe
- Tunisia Maleka
- Medicare24 Tshwane District
- Luxo Africa Brand Investments
- Busiswa Themba
- Kirsty Jonker
- Petunia Lenono
- Ofentse Tlhaole
- Nonjabulo Mngadi
- Anton Paulsen
- Natsengae Monyai
Mathe noted that the case exposed weaknesses in SAPS’ internal controls.
“It highlights gaps in our internal mechanisms and systems that should identify high-risk individuals. In response, the National Commissioner has appointed an established property audit committee to ensure that all procurement and operational processes comply with legal, ethical, and transparency standards. We are strengthening our internal controls to prevent such incidents from recurring,” she said.
Meanwhile, National Commissioner Major-General Fannie Masemola has been charged in connection with the Medicare24 tender. Mathe confirmed that Masemola has pledged full cooperation with investigations.
“General Masemola remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of his office. He acknowledges the charges against him and has pledged full cooperation with all lawful processes. He welcomes any investigation aimed at addressing wrongdoing, as this is necessary to safeguard public trust. It is essential that all matters are handled transparently and fairly, and he has full confidence that the legal process will reveal the truth,” she said.