NPA identifies two figures central to Matlala-linked tender

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has identified two figures central to an irregular South African Police Service (SAPS) tender awarded to a company belonging to the controversial Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala.

They include a director at Matlala’s company, Medicare Holdings, James Murray, and SAPS officer Brian Cartwright.

The pair joined 14 others linked to the multi-million-rand scandal before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing corruption charges.

Fifteen of them were granted bail between R40,000 and R80,000.

While arguing for a higher bail amount, State prosecutor Santhos Manilall highlighted that Murray falsified information to make Medicare24 favourable for the tender.

This, while Cartwright, a facilitator in the bid evaluation committee, allegedly aided Matlala.

TIMELINE: Controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in court

The State has argued that Cartwright knew and was friends with Matlala before he bid for the tender.

It said he used his position as a facilitator in the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) to favour Matlala without disclosing the clear conflict of interest.

Cartwright and Murray have been labelled as key instigators in the fraud matter.

This, while accused number four, Colonel Rachel Matjeng, who’s been suspended from the police, faces the most charges, including corruption and money laundering.

When Matjeng earlier appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, she admitted that she was in a relationship with Matlala and received weight loss drugs as a gift from him.

The trio and accused number seven, Busisiwe Temba, who is already facing another procurement fraud charge, have each been granted bail of R80,000

The rest of the accused, who are members of the BEC, have been granted bail of R40,000.

Matlala did not apply for bail and remains in custody on an unrelated matter.