President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) national commissioner Fannie Masemola over allegations of failing to provide proper oversight regarding a $21 million health contract awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District. According to TimesLIVE, the suspension follows charges against Masemola for contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) related to a R360m SAPS tender.
Key Takeaways
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola over allegations of failing to oversee a $21 million health contract properly. Experts say Masemola has a case to answer, even if negligence rather than intent is proven.
- Masemola faces four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act
- R50 million already paid before contract cancellation
- Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane appointed as acting national commissioner
- Experts: Negligence sufficient for conviction
- Next court appearance set for May 13 with Matlala and co-accused
The suspended commissioner is accused of not canceling Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala’s contract before payments were made. By the time the contract was canceled, Medicare24 had already received R50 million in payments. Masemola appeared in court on Tuesday facing four counts related to the tender.
Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, currently the CFO for SAPS, has been appointed as acting national commissioner. This appointment comes amid a wave of leadership changes within the police force, with two acting officials now occupying top positions. According to TimesLIVE, Ramaphosa acknowledged that having many acting officials is not ideal but necessary to address current problems.
Masemola has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. After Tuesday's hearing, he stated, 'I know that I'm not guilty, I'm not wrong, but the [law] must take its course.' His case will be joined with Matlala’s and 15 co-accused in the next court appearance on May 13.
Legal experts say Masemola has a case to answer even if negligence rather than intent is proven. Constitutional law expert Dr Llewelyn Curlewis of the University of Pretoria noted that 'mere negligence suffices for a conviction.' Ulrich Roux, founder of law firm Ulrich Roux and Associates, agreed that the state must now back up its charges with evidence.
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