The South African Police Service has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in relation to matters arising from the Medicare 24 tender, adding another layer to a procurement case that has already placed police accountability under national scrutiny. The latest suspensions follow the earlier suspension of nine SAPS officers connected to the tender process, bringing the reported number of suspended police members linked to the matter to 14.
SAPS has confirmed that five more senior officers have been suspended as internal departmental processes continue in the Medicare 24 tender matter.
The latest development follows the earlier suspension of nine SAPS officers connected to the procurement process, bringing the reported number of suspended SAPS members linked to the matter to 14.
According to reports by IOL and Cape Town Etc, SAPS confirmed the latest disciplinary action in a statement, saying the suspensions relate to matters arising from the Medicare 24 tender. SAPS has not publicly named the five newly suspended officers and has not disclosed their specific positions or the precise allegations each officer may face.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said internal departmental processes are underway and that the police service will not provide further comment at this stage in order to preserve the integrity of those processes.
The matter relates to a controversial tender involving Medicare24 Tshwane District. IOL reports that the contract was initially budgeted at about R360 million and was ultimately awarded for about R228 million.
The tender reportedly covered medical screenings, wellness checks, illness assessments, pre-employment medical examinations and injury-on-duty assessments over a three-year period.
The broader investigation has already resulted in several arrests. IOL reports that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, 12 senior police officers, a company director and two companies were arrested in March. The accused later appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering.
The case is being handled in the context of state procurement and police accountability. IOL reported that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, a specialist unit within the National Prosecuting Authority, carried out the arrests.
The state has alleged that the tender process was irregular from the start. According to IOL, the charge sheet alleges that SAPS advertised the tender on 31 January 2024 with a closing date of 19 February, which was shorter than the minimum 21-day advertising period required under National Treasury rules.
The state also reportedly alleged that the tender was not urgent and that no approval had been obtained to shorten the advertising period.
Investigators further alleged that although 22 companies submitted bids, Medicare24 did not meet the requirements of an acceptable tender under procurement laws and should not have been considered.
The allegations have not yet been tested through a completed court process, and Cape Town News is reporting them as allegations placed before the court and reported by the cited sources.
The latest suspensions do not amount to findings of guilt. Suspensions are internal employment and disciplinary steps, while criminal charges must still be tested through the courts.
For the public, the case raises wider questions about police procurement, accountability and internal controls within SAPS. Police officers hold positions of public trust, and allegations involving senior officials and major public contracts are likely to remain under close scrutiny.
SAPS has indicated that it will not provide further detail while internal processes continue. That means further clarity may only emerge through court proceedings, official updates from SAPS, statements from the National Prosecuting Authority, or future disciplinary outcomes.
Cape Town News will continue monitoring the case for confirmed developments, including court dates, further charges, disciplinary findings, bail updates, or additional official statements.
Q&A
What has SAPS confirmed?
SAPS has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in relation to matters arising from the Medicare 24 tender.
How many SAPS members are now reported to be suspended in this matter?
The reported number of suspended SAPS members linked to the matter now stands at 14, following the latest five suspensions and the earlier suspension of nine officers.
Have the five newly suspended officers been named?
No. SAPS has not publicly disclosed the identities or specific positions of the five newly suspended officers.
Does suspension mean the officers are guilty?
No. A suspension is an internal disciplinary or employment step. Any criminal allegations must still be tested through the courts.
What was the Medicare 24 tender for?
The tender reportedly involved medical screenings, wellness checks, illness assessments, pre-employment medical examinations and injury-on-duty assessments over a three-year period.
What happens next?
The matter remains subject to internal SAPS processes and related court proceedings. Further details may emerge through SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, court appearances or disciplinary outcomes.
SAI Search Summary:
SAPS has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in relation to the Medicare 24 tender matter. The latest suspensions follow the earlier suspension of nine SAPS officers, bringing the reported number of suspended police members linked to the case to 14. Reports by IOL and Cape Town Etc say SAPS has not named the newly suspended officers and will not comment further while internal processes continue. The broader matter involves allegations linked to a major SAPS medical-services tender, with previous arrests and court appearances already reported. The allegations remain subject to court and disciplinary processes.
Source: IOL – Sinenhlanhla Masilela; Cape Town Etc – Angelica Rhoda.
