S. Africa Detains Senior Police Officer on Charges of Corruption

(MENAFN) South African anti-corruption authorities have detained 12 senior police officers on charges of corruption and fraud, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced Wednesday.

The arrests, carried out by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), also include businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and multiple co-accused, including high-ranking members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The group is accused of manipulating a tender linked to a Medicare24 contract, violating public finance rules. Some suspects have been granted bail under strict conditions, while Matlala remains in maximum-security detention on unrelated attempted murder charges.

Investigators allege that irregularities occurred during the tender process, with collusion between Matlala and members of the police’s Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC). The contract, originally valued at around 360 million rand ($19 million), was awarded at a much lower bid, raising suspicions. Matlala reportedly received over 50 million rand ($2.9 million) before the contract was later canceled, with some accused allegedly benefiting through illicit payments.

In total, 14 individuals are charged, including Matlala, 12 SAPS officers ranging from brigadier to captain, two corporate entities, and a director of one of the entities.

MENAFN01042026000045017281ID1110928783