Matlala fraud and corruption case postponed to November as prosecutors review R228m police tender

According to prosecutor Saneel Manilal, the National Director of Public Prosecutions ordered a full review. The case against alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 co-accused was postponed on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. A prosecution review team must first assess the matter. The accused, including two companies linked to Matlala, face fraud, corruption and money laundering charges. The charges relate to a R228 million police wellness tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District. Prosecution review delays the case According to prosecutor Saneel Manilal, National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi ordered a full review. He told the court: “The National Director of Public Prosecutions has instructed that there be a case review assessment team appointed to review this case in its entirety.” The team had already reviewed the part of the case involving suspended police commissioner Fannie Masemola. It will sit again on 8 October. Manilal then asked for more time. “I therefore request that this matter be postponed for approximately a month after the 8th of October to give the case assessment team sufficient time to compile their recommendations to the NDPP. “Whereafter, the NDPP will issue an instruction to the prosecution team regarding [its] assessment all the way forward in respect of this current matter before court.” Masemola charges withdrawn, and Matlala joined Manilal said the case initially involved 17 accused. Masemola’s charges were withdrawn on 22 September on the director’s instruction. “The charge sheet has been endorsed accordingly,” Manilal told the court. Matlala’s case had been separated earlier while the defence negotiated a plea agreement. Manilal said Matlala withdrew from the agreement. His case was moved on 25 September and joined to the others in court. The defence did not oppose the application. Date clash for Matlala Matlala’s lawyer said the proposed date was a problem. He would be in the High Court from 2 November. According to the lawyer, “There is a trial that’s running the whole fourth term” However, Manilal said the date should still stand. He noted that the other accused had agreed to it. “The date suits all the other parties. There are 15 of them.” He said Matlala’s case could be postponed in his absence on 17 November. A new date would then be set. Warrant issued for accused number 10 Accused number 10 was absent. Her lawyer said she was unwell and handed in a medical certificate. “Unfortunately, she is ill. I do have a medical certificate.” The court then issued a warrant but delayed its execution. It said the warrant would be held over to 17 November. Matlala remains in custody. The other accused are on bail.