PRETORIA (Azat TV) – Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a senior official in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Services, was among 12 senior police officers arrested on March 24, 2026, and appeared in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on March 25, charged in connection with a R360 million irregular health services tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District. The tender scandal, linked directly to alleged cartel leader Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, exposes deep corruption risks within SAPS supply chain management units and marks a significant escalation in state action against high-ranking police officials.
R360 Million SAPS Tender Scandal and Arrests of Senior Officers
The tender, awarded in June 2024, was meant for health risk management services but was granted to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company that did not hold a valid license nor fully complied with the tender requirements. Investigations revealed that the process involved submission, facilitation, approval of the tender, acceptance of illicit gratifications, and laundering of funds. On March 24, IDAC (Investigating Directorate Against Corruption) raided and arrested 12 senior SAPS officials, including Brigadier Matjeng, as well as the managing director of Medicare24 Tshwane District, alleged to be Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Brigadier Rachel Matjeng’s Role and Connection to ‘Cat’ Matlala
Matjeng, who holds a senior post in SAPS Forensic Services, confirmed during testimony at the Madlanga Commission earlier this year that she was in a romantic relationship with Matlala. She acknowledged receiving gifts, including the weight-loss drug Ozempic, reportedly worth around R4,500 per unit, from Matlala but denied accepting bribes. She also insisted that R300,000 she received from Matlala was unrelated to her official duties. However, this relationship raised conflict of interest concerns and is central to the state’s case linking her to the irregular tender.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Applications
All 16 accused, including senior SAPS personnel across ranks (generals, brigadiers, colonels, captains) and two companies, appeared in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on March 25. The State opposed bail for Matlala due to his involvement in other serious charges but did not oppose bail for the other accused. The court heard arguments on bail amounts, with some accused pleading for lower bail due to financial constraints. The proceedings are ongoing as the State builds its case focused on recovering the R360 million in misappropriated public funds.
Implications for SAPS Integrity and Public Trust
This case marks a decisive shift from investigation to active arrests at the highest levels of SAPS, underlining the government’s commitment to tackling entrenched corruption within the police service. The involvement of multiple senior officers, including Brigadier Matjeng, and the direct link to ‘Cat’ Matlala’s company, spotlight systemic vulnerabilities in tender awarding processes that compromise the integrity of law enforcement institutions. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched for its impact on reforming SAPS and restoring public confidence.
The arrest and prosecution of Brigadier Rachel Matjeng alongside Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala symbolize a rare and forceful move against deeply embedded corruption in South African policing, demonstrating a new phase in accountability where even high-ranking officers are no longer immune to criminal scrutiny.