SA Police Chief Charged Over $21m Contract Scandal

South Africa’s national police commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been formally charged over his alleged failure to properly oversee a controversial health services contract now under criminal investigation.

General Masemola, 62, appeared before a court in Pretoria in connection with a $21m (£15.5m) tender awarded in 2024 to provide healthcare services to police personnel. The contract was cancelled in May 2025 amid mounting concerns over how it was awarded.

He faces four counts of breaching South Africa’s Public Finance Management Act, which governs the handling of public funds. Prosecutors allege that, as the police service’s accounting officer, he failed in his oversight responsibilities.

Speaking after the hearing, Masemola denied wrongdoing, telling reporters: “I know that I’m not guilty… but the law must take its course.”

The case is part of a wider investigation into alleged corruption involving senior police officers and political figures. The contract was awarded to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has also been charged with corruption. Several senior officers have been accused of colluding with him, although none has yet entered a plea.

Masemola has not been charged with corruption himself and was not asked to plead during his initial court appearance. The case has been postponed until 13 May, when he is expected to appear alongside 16 other accused persons.

The allegations first emerged during hearings of the Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate corruption within the police.

Masemola is the third South African police chief to face a criminal investigation while in office. His predecessors include Jackie Selebi, who was jailed in 2010 for corruption, and Khomotso Phahlane, who has faced multiple corruption charges, which he denies.