Fannie Masemola: South Africa’s police chief hauled to court over disputed $21M contract
South Africa’s police leadership is under renewed scrutiny after national commissioner Fannie Masemola stepped into the dock over a widening corruption investigation that has already ensnared more than a dozen senior officers.
Masemola, who is still in office, is facing four charges under the Public Finance Management Act. The case centers on a 360 million-rand contract, roughly $21 million, linked to health and wellness services for police personnel. Authorities allege the deal was tainted from the outset.
His court appearance on Tuesday marked the formal start of proceedings following a summons issued earlier in the month. He has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he risks a prison term of up to five years or a financial penalty.
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Investigators claim the tender process was compromised, with accusations that some officers accepted kickbacks from the successful bidders. While prosecutors have not disclosed the full scope of the allegations in open court, they point to Masemola’s role as the service’s accounting officer as central to the charges.
The disputed contract has already been scrapped, the AP reported.
The controversy has also triggered broader institutional scrutiny. A commission of inquiry, set up last year by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is examining claims of systemic corruption within the police service. Separately, Parliament has been running its own probe into the same issues.
Prosecutors indicated that Masemola’s case will be consolidated with that of 16 co-accused, including 12 police officers. Among them are high-ranking figures, including a major-general and several brigadiers. All have been granted bail.
They face corruption charges alongside businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose company sits at the center of the disputed contract. Matlala has previously testified about alleged connections between senior police officials and criminal networks.
He is currently being held in a maximum-security facility on separate charges, including attempted murder.
After his court appearance, Masemola brushed off mounting pressure to resign, saying the decision rests with the president and insisting he remains focused on his duties.
The presidency has acknowledged the development, stating that Ramaphosa is aware of the charges and will handle the matter “in accordance with the law.”
Proceedings are set to resume on May 13.
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