SAPS fires Brigadier Matjeng over Medicare24 tender

A senior South African police official has been dismissed following an internal disciplinary process that found her guilty of serious misconduct linked to a businessman whose company secured a major police contract. Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, the former section head for quality management in the police's forensic services division in Pretoria, was fired effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that Matjeng was found guilty on charges including accepting gratification, money laundering, dishonesty, improper conduct, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of the police service. The charges stemmed from her relationship with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, whose company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded an irregular health services contract initially budgeted at approximately 360 million rand but awarded for about 228 million rand.

Authorities found that Matjeng improperly advised Matlala against the interests of SAPS and provided him with a list containing details of police members with the intention of deriving a financial benefit. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the dismissal,...