President Ramaphosa Weighs Decisive Action As Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola Faces R360 Million Tender Scandal

President Ramaphosa weighs options as Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola faces charges over a R360m SAPS tender. Twelve senior members arrested in the probe.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 4:40 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from EWN

Executive Deliberations Amidst Growing Security Cluster Crisis

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that he is actively evaluating the standing of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola following serious allegations of financial misconduct. Speaking during a visit to a housing project in the Free State on Thursday, the President indicated that he is engaged in high level discussions with key stakeholders within the security cluster. Ramaphosa noted that an official announcement regarding the commissioner's status is imminent, as the executive seeks to balance legal protocols with the urgent need to maintain public confidence in the leadership of the South African Police Service.

The R360 Million Tender At The Center Of The Storm

The controversy stems from an irregular SAPS tender valued at R360 million, reportedly awarded to provide medical services to over 180,000 police members. General Masemola has been charged under the Public Finance Management Act, placing him at the center of a corruption probe that recently escalated with a series of high profile raids. On Tuesday evening, twelve senior SAPS members were apprehended for their alleged roles in assisting businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in securing the contract. These officials have since appeared in court, further intensifying the pressure on the National Commissioner as the primary accounting officer of the organization.

Accountability Challenges And Internal Audit Warnings

According to Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee, the SAPS internal audit team had previously advised General Masemola to terminate the medical services contract and halt all associated payments. During an ad hoc committee hearing on police graft, it was revealed that the commissioner allegedly signed off on the deal despite these internal warnings. While Masemola has denied ever meeting with the contractor in question, the Portfolio Committee emphasizes that his role as the accounting officer carries a strict legal responsibility to prevent irregular and wasteful expenditure regardless of direct personal involvement.