Nine cops have been suspended following the R360-million tender, awarded to Matlala's company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024,
Image: Itumeleng English
Nine police officers have been suspended over their alleged role in helping secure a controversial R360m contract for Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the suspensions on Friday.
She said the officers all served on the bid evaluation committee and are accused of unlawfully awarding the contract to Matlala's company.
"The affected members have been placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations," Mathe said.
"Police remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its operations.
"As the matter is subject to ongoing processes, the SAPS will not comment further at this stage."
The contract was initially budgeted at about R360m and ultimately awarded for about R228m.
It was meant to provide medical screenings, wellness checks, illness assessments, pre-employment medical examinations, and injury-on-duty assessments over a three-year period.
In March this year, Matlala, 12 senior police officers, a company director, and two companies were arrested.
They subsequently appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
Those charged included a major general, several brigadiers, and colonels who were serving members of the SAPS at the time of their arrest.
The arrests were carried out by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
IDAC is a specialist unit within the National Prosecuting Authority that investigates serious corruption involving state institutions.
It is the state's case that the tender process was irregular from the outset.
It said SAPS advertised the tender on January 31, 2024, with a closing date of February 19, less than the minimum 21-day advertising period required by National Treasury regulations.
The charge sheet further alleged the tender was not urgent and that no approval had been obtained to shorten the advertising period.
Investigators also claimed that, though 22 companies submitted bids, Medicare24 did not meet the requirements of an acceptable tender under procurement laws and should not have been considered.
Despite this, the company was awarded the contract.
The state alleged police officials unlawfully colluded with Matlala and his company throughout the procurement process, resulting in the contract being awarded to Medicare24.
The police officers and other accused arrested in the case are currently out on bail of between R40,000 and R80,000.
Matlala remains behind bars after he was denied bail in a separate matter.
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