CAPE TOWN, Tuesday 25 August 2026 — Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has told Parliament that Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane was not involved in awarding the controversial Medicare24 contract linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, addressing questions about her role while she served as SAPS chief financial officer.
Cachalia defended Dimpane during questions in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, saying the chief financial officer did not participate in the process that awarded the contract.
Dimpane headed the finance division of the South African Police Service when initial payments were made under the contract, prompting questions about her oversight role.
Cachalia told MPs that Dimpane became directly involved only after the SAPS audit committee identified irregular expenditure associated with the contract.
According to the acting minister, Dimpane subsequently stopped payments on invoices, ensured the irregular expenditure was recorded and supported the establishment of a forensic investigation.
Cachalia also told Parliament that Dimpane holds the necessary security clearance and that it remains valid until 2029.
The Medicare24 contract has become one of the central issues in investigations and public inquiries into alleged corruption within the police.
Nine police officials linked to the tender process have previously been suspended, while prosecutors have indicated that further arrests have not been ruled out.
Matlala is separately facing criminal proceedings related to the contract and has invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about aspects of the matter before the Madlanga Commission.
His evidence before the commission continued on Tuesday, including testimony concerning his business relationship with Hangwani Morgan Maumela and links between Maumela and the late businessman Jotham Msibi. Those claims remain allegations and evidence before the inquiry rather than judicial findings.
Dimpane’s appointment as acting National Police Commissioner has placed additional attention on her previous responsibilities within SAPS while investigations into the Medicare24 procurement process continue.
Cachalia’s statement establishes government’s position on her involvement, but the underlying tender remains subject to criminal investigation and scrutiny before the Madlanga Commission.
Further findings from those processes will determine whether additional SAPS officials or other individuals face disciplinary or criminal action.
