Twelve Police Officers Arrested in Corruption Probe Linked to “Cat” Matlala’s R360 Million SAPS Tender
Twelve high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were arrested on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in connection with a R360 million tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, an underworld figure already facing multiple charges.
The arrests, carried out by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), target officers allegedly involved in facilitating the awarding of the tender to Matlala’s company. The officers, including generals, are expected to appear in court on March 25, 2026, alongside Matlala News24.
Background on the Tender and Matlala
The R360 million tender relates to a contract for health risk services, including screening SAPS employees for ill health and providing other employee health-related services. Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded the contract on June 18, 2024, after a bidding process that began in November 2023 TimesLIVE.
Matlala is already facing charges of attempted murder, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice related to the 2023 shooting of his former lover, actress Tebogo Thobejane News24.
News24 first exposed Matlala’s dealings in a 2024 investigation titled “9 Lives,” and he has been under scrutiny since February 2023.
Investigation and Arrests
The arrests follow an investigation into allegations of corruption surrounding the tender process. The IDAC and NPA conducted raids in Gauteng province on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of the twelve officers Briefly.
Authorities have not yet released the names of all the arrested officers, but confirmed that those arrested were part of the bid committee responsible for evaluating tenders Briefly.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case is expected to be closely watched, as it highlights concerns about corruption within the SAPS and the potential for criminal elements to influence government contracts. Further details are expected to emerge when the accused appear in court on March 25, 2026 EWN.
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