The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has denied claims it is targeting senior police officials following arrests linked to an alleged irregular R360 million tender.
Image: Zwelethemba Kostile / Parliament
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.
In a statement on Saturday, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said allegations circulating on social media were false and misleading.
“The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) condemns the false allegations circulated on social media platforms, insinuating that IDAC is deliberately targeting SAPS Senior officials, following the arrest of 12 senior police officers and summons being served to the National Police Commissioner, in relation to an alleged irregular contract that was awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter,” Mamothame said.
He said the case was referred to IDAC in 2024, after SAPS’s Risk Audit Unit identified suspected irregularities.
“It is also imperative to note that this matter was referred to IDAC by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit for investigation, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered.”
Mamothame stated that linking the arrests to other processes is incorrect.
“It is therefore irresponsible and reckless for certain formations of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were as a result of submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner on June 6, 2025,” Mamothame said.
He said IDAC respects the work of both processes.
“He said the IDAC respects the work done by the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee and will abide by the recommendations that will follow.”
Mamothame warned that such claims could create divisions within law enforcement.
“Furthermore, such false narratives seek to create divisions within the law enforcement fraternity, at a time where South Africans demand to see the wheels of justice in motion in a manner that is collaborative to fight the criminals and not each other.”
He said the public expects cooperation among agencies.
“Society also demands to see all law enforcement agencies collaborating in the fight against corruption, something that the IDAC seeks to honour in all of its work and engagements.”
Mamothame said IDAC operates within the law and is subject to oversight.
“The IDAC, like many other law enforcement agencies, is not a law unto itself as has been portrayed by the false narratives circulated.
A judge was appointed to oversee and ensure that there is compliance and accountability on how the division operates.”
“This also affords every member of society a platform to report any improper action by any official within the division, including the Investigating Director.”
He urged the public to remain vigilant.
“He said Society should therefore be vigilant not to fall prey to false narratives created to destabilize the fight against corruption.”
Mamothame said misinformation could pose risks to officials.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to appear in court on April 21.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
“The attacks and baseless speculations also have the potential to place the lives of the officials working in these complex cases and the Investigating Director and their families at risk.”
Despite this, he said IDAC would continue its work.
“Despite this, the IDAC cannot afford to allow itself to be deterred from discharging its constitutional mandate to the best of its abilities, within the prescriptions of the law.”
He said all actions were lawful and based on evidence.
“The IDAC as an important division within the NPA, prescribes to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice. Every action that has been taken followed all the due processes of the law.”
“The arrests are based on the evidence at hand.”
Mamothame said concerns about other individuals being charged were misplaced.
“The view shared by certain individuals that others should have been charged is unfortunate as IDAC had to deal with the matters within its space and the evidence it contains.”
He added that other matters would be handled if referred.
“The issues relating to other persons arose at the Madlanga Commission and as and when same are referred to IDAC, same will be acted upon without fear, favour or prejudice.”
He said proper procedures were followed.
“In relation to the arrests, no rules were flouted in arresting the accused in the Medicare 24 matter and any other matter where the accused were summoned to appear before court.”
“The process followed was lawful in all aspects.
“Crime cannot be allowed to flourish and IDAC, in discharging its mandate, seeks to prevent this as best it can,” added Mamothame.
IDAC has called on the public to allow the legal process to run its course, noting that evidence will be tested in court.
Masemola was served with a summons on Wednesday and is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on April 21.
IOL News previously reported that acting police minister Professor Firoz Cachalia confirmed that Masemola has been charged under Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), but not with corruption.
“As far as I understand, others have been charged with corruption. General Masemola has not. However, charges under procurement legislation are serious enough,” he said.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago previously confirmed the court date but declined to comment further.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the case relates to the Medicare 24 tender and confirmed that Masemola would comply with legal processes.
The case is linked to the arrest of 12 senior police officers facing charges including fraud, money laundering and PFMA violations.
At the centre of the investigation is murder accused businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”, whose alleged links to the contract triggered a broader probe into procurement irregularities within SAPS.
The tender has since been scrapped.
IOL News