Cachalia to consult Ramaphosa on Masemola’s future
· The South African
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia says he will meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola’s future after authorities charged him in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender.
A court will hear the case against Masemola on 21 April 2026 over the contract that SAPS awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
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Masemola remains in office
In an interview with eNCA, Cachalia said Masemola remains national commissioner while the president considers the situation.
He confirmed that authorities have not suspended Masemola. The Democratic Alliance has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to place him on precautionary suspension, similar to the action taken against Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya
“The decisions concerning the appointment of national commissioners are taken by the president,” Cachalia said.
He added that Masemola faces charges under procurement legislation and not corruption charges.
“I must make it clear that General Masemola has not been charged with corruption. He has been charged under procurement legislation, specifically Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act.”
Discussions with Ramaphosa, SAPS leadership on Masemola
Cachalia said he held a preliminary discussion with Ramaphosa and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on the sidelines of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
He also met Masemola earlier in the week to discuss the matter.
The acting minister said he would meet the SAPS board of commissioners and the police head of human resources, Lineo Nkuoa, before preparing a memorandum for the president outlining his views and possible options.
Lineo Nkuoa will brief Cachalia on the steps needed to address any leadership gaps following the criminal charges against several senior police officers.
Intervention team for procurement problems
Cachalia said the crisis in SAPS extends beyond a single contract and requires broader intervention.
He plans to establish an intervention team, including external experts, to oversee procurement processes in the police service.
“I will consult the auditor-general and the minister responsible for treasury as we set up an intervention team,” he said.
Cachalia said he is deeply concerned about the number of senior SAPS officials facing criminal charges.
“I have been watching the developments with a mixture of disbelief, despair and anger. From an ethical point of view, you can’t go any lower,” he said.
He warned that the police service faces multiple crises, including a breakdown in ethical standards. He called for urgent discussions to rebuild public trust in SAPS.
Tender investigation
Authorities raised concerns about the R360 million health services tender just three months after SAPS awarded the contract. The contract had been given in June 2024 to Matlala’s company.
At least 12 police officers and Matlala now face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the same contract.
A court granted the SAPS members bail ranging from R40 000 to R80 000 on Wednesday.