Bail proceedings are underway for 16 accused, including businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and several senior police officers, in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court over a controversial R360m SAPS health services tender, reports The Witness.

An affidavit by senior investigator Suneel Bellochun read into the record confirmed that the state is opposing bail for Matlala, citing the seriousness of the charges and his involvement in other pending matters. 

Bail is not opposed for the remaining accused.

Those before the court include James Murray, Brian Cartright, Rachel Matjeng, Alpheus Ngema, Nyimeleni Nethengwe, Tunisia Maleka, Busiswa Themba, Kirtsy Jonker, Petunia Lenono, Ofentse Tlhaole, Nonjabulo Mngadi, Anton Paulsen and Natsengae Monyai, along with two companies, Medicare24 Tshwane District and Luxo African Brand Investments.

The accused include members of SAPS supply chain management units who handled the tender process. Among them are a general, several brigadiers, as well as colonels and at least one captain.

All the accused face multiple counts of corruption, fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 linked to the awarding of the 2024 contract.

The state told the court the alleged offences unfolded in four parts: The submission of the tender, its facilitation and approval, the acceptance of gratifications, and the laundering of funds.

The court further heard that accused number seven Tunisia Maleka is currently out on bail in a separate matter.

During proceedings, the legal representative for accused number 11, Kirtsy Jonker, says his client was unaware of the case against her.

Matjeng previously told the Madlanga Commission she had been in a romantic relationship with Matlala, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

The matter forms part of wider investigations into alleged corruption in SAPS procurement processes, which have come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission.

The proceedings continue.

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