Businessman pleads guilty in SAPS tender fraud case

An alleged underworld figure and businessman has pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges in a major South African police corruption case. Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala entered his plea on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after reaching a formal agreement with prosecutors.

The charges stem from a controversial health services tender awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to Matlala's company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. The contract, initially budgeted at roughly R360 million, was ultimately concluded for approximately R228 million. The state alleges the tender was irregular and should never have been approved. Investigations found that at least R50 million was paid out before the contract was cancelled in May 2025 following an internal audit that flagged irregularities.

Matlala's case was separated from that of his 16 co-accused a day earlier, on Wednesday, June 24, allowing his proceedings to move forward independently. Among those still facing charges is suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who is accused of contravening the Public Finance Management Act. The state alleges...