South Africa arrests police officers in corruption probe

Officials colluded to rig a multimillion-rand contract awarded to a private company, investigators said

South African anti-corruption investigators have arrested 12 senior police officers on charges of corruption and fraud, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The NPA said its Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) had detained businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala along with multiple co-accused, including high-ranking members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

Authorities allege the group was involved in manipulating a tender process linked to a contract awarded to Medicare24, in violation of public finance regulations. Prosecutors indicated that several suspects were granted bail under strict conditions. Matlala is currently being held in a maximum-security prison on unrelated attempted murder charges.

“There were several irregularities during the award of the tender and collusion by some members of the police’s Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) and Matlala,” the NPA said. 

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According to investigators, the contract – initially budgeted at around 360 million rand ($19 million) – was ultimately granted at a significantly lower bid submitted by Matlala’s company, raising suspicions. Authorities further alleged that Matlala received more than 50 million rand ($2.9 million) before the contract was later canceled, with some of the accused reportedly benefiting financially through illicit payments.

“There are 14 accused on the roll which include Matlala and 12 are members of the SAPS ranging in rank from brigadier to captain, two entities and a director of one of the entities,” the NPA said.

The arrests come amid broader efforts by South Africa to overhaul its security sector. In recent years, the government has increased spending on defense and public safety, deployed military units to assist police in combating crime, and re-enlisted experienced retired detectives to strengthen investigative capacity. 

READ MORE: South Africa boosts military and judiciary spending

The developments coincide with ongoing investigations into alleged corruption at the highest levels of the police service. Last year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended the police minister, while a parliamentary inquiry is probing claims that senior officers had improper ties to suspected crime figures, including alleged payments for favors.