The South African government welcomed the arrest of 12 SAPS members and a director of Medicare24, in a major corruption case linked to a R360 million SAPS police tender, describing it as a strong warning that no one is above the law.
The arrests, carried out by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), follow a late-night raid targeting officers accused of helping businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala secure a lucrative health services contract through irregular means.
The suspects appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing serious charges including fraud, money laundering, tender manipulation, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
In a statement, the government said the arrests strike at the core of public trust, stressing that those entrusted to enforce the law cannot be allowed to undermine it.
“No individual is beyond scrutiny,” it said, calling the crackdown a necessary step to protect the integrity of law enforcement.
Among those arrested is Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who told the Madlanga Commission that she and Matlala were lovers.
Authorities alleged the officers played a direct role in manipulating the awarding of the SAPS health tender to Matlala.
Their involvement was exposed and revealed at the Madlanga Commission.
The government praised investigators for acting decisively, saying the arrests send a clear and forceful message across the public sector: corruption will be confronted, and those involved will be held accountable.
The court case is proceeding.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
