Ramaphosa to act on Masemola charges as R360m SAPS tender scandal deepens
Masemola is expected to appear in court in April.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will address the matter involving the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in line with the law.
Masemola has been served with a notice to appear in court.
It is in relation to the R360 million health service tender awarded to Medicare24, the company of alleged cartel boss Vusi 'Cat' Matlala.
Sixteen individuals, including 12 police officers and Matlala, appeared in court on Wednesday in relation to the matter.
Masemola is expected to make his court appearance in April.
Masemola remains in office and has not been suspended, despite being issued a court summons, according to acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
Cachalia says he will meet with Ramaphosa to discuss the matter and establish an advisory panel to guide the next steps.
Ramaphosa to address matter
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service(SAPS), General Fannie Masemola and his scheduled court appearance," says Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
"The President has further noted the arrests of the 12 senior police officers on a procurement-related matter. President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law.
“The President, working together with the Minister of Police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate."
Call for precautionary suspension
Democratic Alliance police spokesperson Lisa Schickerling has called for Masemola to be placed on precautionary suspension.
"Masemola's arrest is not the first of its kind since two previous predecessors faced the same fate. This latest development strikes at the heart of public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
"This development reinforces our long-standing concerns about systemic corruption within SAPS. South Africans cannot be expected to have confidence in a police service where those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves accused of breaking it.
"The DA reiterates that no individual, regardless of rank, should be above the law. Furthermore, urgent steps must be taken to stabilise SAPS leadership and restore integrity within the institution to ensure that it can effectively combat crime and protect citizens."
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