Testimonies presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have painted a damning picture of the SAPS, revealing a web of corruption where senior officers allegedly enabled crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to secure a multimillion-rand tender despite his company’s blatant non-compliance with the tender process.
The R360-million tender, awarded to Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District in 2024, has been mired in controversy. Allegations suggest Matlala exploited his relationships with senior police officers to protect his business interests and circumvent the rules.
Twelve senior officers implicated in the tender scandal appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week, alongside Matlala and James Murray, the managing director of Medicare24 Group.
Murray, who allegedly assisted Matlala in submitting the tender bid with false information, is considered one of the main instigators in the alleged crime.
The accused’s appearance revealed the extent of the corruption, specifically how Matlala misrepresented crucial company information while SAPS officials on the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) ignored the wrongdoing.
Among the officers who appeared in court was Petunia Lenono, a former senior SAPS officer facing fraud and corruption charges linked to the tender awarded to Matlala’s company.
Lenono had recommended awarding the tender to Matlala, and shortly after resigning from SAPS, she joined Medicare24, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
In a recent television interview Lenono denied any wrongdoing in the R360 million SAPS health services tender with Medicare24, stating she did not know the company’s owner, Matlala, before the tender.
She claimed her resignation from SAPS and subsequent link to Medicare24 were coincidental, stating that she was only approached for a potential consulting role, with no contract finalised or payment received.
Another top officer, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, is also facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money-laundering.
Matjeng’s admission of a romantic ties to Matlala raised concerns about a conflict of interest. This is because the contract, awarded to Matlala’s company, falls under Matjeng’s purview as head of the Quality Management section of Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management at SAPS Forensic Services in Pretoria.
The money-laundering charges against Matjeng relate to the R300,000 received from Matlala as “a gratification”.
Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who admitted to a romantic link to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was seen having a chat with him during their appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
Matjeng’s testimony revealed that payments were diverted to Osizweni Meat Market, a butchery owned by her friend Modiegi Kekana, raising questions about the transactions’ legitimacy and potential money laundering.
The court heard that Matjeng allegedly violated the Proceeds of Crime Act, which relates to her use of proceeds from unlawful payments.
She allegedly facilitated unnecessary health screenings at Medicare24 Tshwane District, inflating SAPS payments to Matlala’s company.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, who is not among the co-accused, disputed allegations that he helped Matlala secure a SAPS contract.
Testifying before the commission recently, he said: “I have no knowledge of the broader allegations of criminality surrounding the Medicare24 tender. My knowledge is limited to the information Mr Matlala has shared with me and that which I have read in the media. I am aware that Medicare24 was founded by Mr Matlala.”
He also denied receiving any kickback, directly or indirectly from Matlala.
Both Witness X and Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of Crime Intelligence, implicated him in sharing sensitive police information with Matlala.
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who is due to appear in court on April 21 regarding the R360-million tender scandal, testified about significant flaws in the tender process, citing that the BEC lacked the necessary expertise to assess the bid.
A preliminary SAPS audit report in January 2025 revealed misrepresentation and fronting in the Medicare24 tender process. At the time SAPS had already disbursed R50 million to Medicare24 for its services which included processing 5,500 police college recruits.
Matlala allegedly misrepresented several aspects of his company, Medicare24, including its physical address, technical capabilities, health infrastructure, and personnel.
The company was flagged for poor performance but Matjeng denied this during her testimony.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago declined to provide details on the charges against Masemola.
In music, fame can sometimes take the spotlight away from what’s real. Trumpeter Mo-T, best known for his work with the award-winning band Mi Casa, is changing that.With his "Forever Lounging" sessions, he’s starting something new that brings together music, storytelling, and real connection. It’s more than just playing songs; it’s about creating an experience that feels as big as a stadium show but as personal as a relaxed Sunday […]
