By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

National Commissioner of Police, Fannie Masemola is set to appear in court on 21 April for playing a role in awarding controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala a R390m tender in 2024. Masemola marks the third police commissioner to face a criminal investigation while holding their position as top cop. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa intends to handle the matter in accordance with the law. This week regarding the same charges, 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were apprehended and appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate Court as they are also accused of holding links with Matlala who is also facing said charges. 

These allegations were made at an inquiry which was set up by President Ramaphosa by way of the Madlanga Commission of inquiry. 

The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) had served Masemola with a summons on Wednesday morning as they have expressed that they cannot fully divulge the charges brought up against him according to NPA spokesperson Kaizier Kganyago.

 In 2010 Jackie Selebi was the first National Police Commissioner to be faced with corruption charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison as he was convicted of taking bribes from an Italian drug lord, Glen Agliotti.

 Kgomotso Phahlane had been the second in 2017 as he was charged with corruption, which was withdrawn the following year, however in 2019 was arrested on the same charges, charges that he has continuously denied. 

Another former senior officer, Brigadier Petunia Lenono was arrested as she had resigned from her post a week before the tender was awarded as authorities question the intention behind the resignation.