The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has rejected claims that it is deliberately targeting senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials, and that the 12 senior police officers and the summons issued to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola are based on evidence and due process.
IDAC Response to Allegations
In a statement on Saturday, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said allegations circulating on social media were false and misleading. The case was referred to IDAC in 2024, after SAPS’s Risk Audit Unit identified suspected irregularities in an alleged irregular R360 million tender awarded to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter.
According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the IDAC is committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases without fear or favour. Mamothame stated that linking the arrests to other processes is incorrect, and that IDAC respects the work done by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner.
Key Facts About the Case
Here are some key facts about the case:
- The alleged irregular tender is worth R360 million.
- 12 senior police officers have been arrested in connection with the case.
- National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has been issued with a summons.
- The case was referred to IDAC in 2024 by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit.
Mamothame warned that false claims could create divisions within law enforcement, and that the public expects cooperation among agencies. The IDAC, like many other law enforcement agencies, is not a law unto itself and is subject to oversight, with a judge appointed to oversee and ensure that the IDAC operates within the law.
