South Africa’s Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been formally charged over alleged failures in oversight linked to a controversial health services contract now under criminal investigation.
Masemola, 62, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where he was accused of breaching provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. The charges stem from his role as accounting officer in the awarding of a $21 million tender that has since been cancelled.
The contract, awarded in 2024 to a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, was intended to provide healthcare services to police personnel. It was revoked in May 2025 following allegations of irregularities.
Masemola faces four counts related to failure in his oversight responsibilities under Section 38 of the Act. However, he is not charged with corruption, unlike several others implicated in the case.
Speaking after the hearing, Masemola denied any wrongdoing, insisting he remains confident that the legal process will clear his name.
The case also involves more than a dozen senior police officers accused of colluding with Matlala, who has been charged with corruption. None of the accused have entered pleas so far.
Proceedings have been adjourned until May 13, when Masemola is expected to appear alongside 16 other defendants.
The allegations emerged during the Madlanga Commission, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate corruption within the police force.
Masemola becomes the third South African police chief to face criminal investigation while in office. Former commissioner Jackie Selebi was jailed in 2010 for corruption, while another former head, Khomotso Phahlane, has faced multiple corruption charges, which he denies and remain before the courts.
