South Africa’s national police commissioner has been formally charged over his alleged failure to properly oversee a controversial multimillion-dollar health contract now at the centre of a wider corruption probe.
Fannie Masemola, 62, appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court after being summoned in connection with the awarding of a $21m (£15.5m) tender for police health services. The contract, granted in 2024, was later scrapped in May 2025 amid mounting concerns over irregularities.
Masemola faces four counts under South Africa’s Public Finance Management Act, which sets out strict responsibilities for officials managing public funds. As the police service’s accounting officer, prosecutors allege he failed to ensure proper oversight and compliance.
Speaking outside court, Masemola rejected the accusations, insisting he had done nothing wrong but would respect the legal process.
The case is part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption involving senior police officials and politically connected figures. At the centre of the controversy is businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, whose company secured the tender. He, along with several senior officers, has been charged with corruption, though no pleas have yet been entered.
In total, more than a dozen officials have been implicated in the deal, with authorities alleging collusion in how the contract was awarded. Masemola is the only one so far not facing direct corruption charges, but rather accusations tied to administrative failures.
The matter has been postponed to 13 May, when Masemola is expected to appear alongside 16 co-accused.
The scandal emerged from testimony at the Madlanga Commission, an inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate alleged systemic corruption within the police service.
Masemola becomes the latest in a line of South African police chiefs to face legal scrutiny while in office. Former commissioner Jackie Selebi was jailed in 2010 for corruption, while another ex-commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, has faced multiple corruption charges that remain before the courts.
The case adds to growing concerns about accountability and governance within South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.
