DA wants Masemola suspended after being linked to R360m SAPS tender

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the immediate precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola after he's been linked to a dodgy police tender awarded to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

The party's police spokesperson, Lisa Schickerling, said they’ve noted the "deeply concerning" development, as Masemola is set to face criminal charges linked to an irregular R360 million tender awarded to Matlala's Medicare24 company.

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Schickerling said Masemola's arrest is not the first of its kind since two of his predecessors faced the same fate.

The call for Masemola's suspension comes after 12 police officials were arrested on Wednesday, after being linked to the same Matlala police contract.

Schickerling said this latest development strikes at the heart of public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“South Africa cannot be policed by leaders who themselves stand accused of breaking the law. We call for Masemola to be placed on immediate precautionary suspension, just as he did with General Shadrack Sibiya, while this matter is in court. The reality is clear corruption at the highest levels of the SAPS is systemic.”