South Africa's police chief, General Fannie Masemola, has been formally charged for allegedly failing to properly oversee a controversial $21 million health services contract that has since been canceled and become the center of a major corruption investigation.
Masemola, 62, appeared in Pretoria Magistrate's Court where he was charged with four counts of violating South Africa's Public Finance Management Act. The charges specifically relate to his responsibilities as the police force's accounting officer during the awarding of a tender to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024.
"I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the law must take its course," Masemola told reporters after the hearing, maintaining his innocence.
The contract, meant to provide health services to police personnel, was canceled in May 2025 after allegations of corruption emerged. Since then, a dozen senior police officers have been charged in connection with the deal, accused of colluding with Matlala, who also faces corruption charges.
Masemola stands apart from the other defendants as the only one not facing direct corruption charges. Instead, prosecutors allege he failed in his oversight duties under section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act, which outlines the responsibilities of accounting officers for public funds.
The case has been postponed until May 13, when Masemola will join 16 other defendants, including senior police officers and Matlala, for further proceedings.
The allegations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa last September to investigate corruption within the police force. This marks the third time a sitting South African police chief has faced criminal investigation.
Previous police bosses have encountered similar legal troubles: Jackie Selebi was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010 for taking bribes from an Italian drug lord, while Khomotso Phahlane faces ongoing corruption charges dating back to 2017.