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FILE | National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola addresses a media briefing.
The National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola will be back in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on the 13th of next month.
Fifteen other accused will also appear on that day.
Masemola, who appeared in court on Tuesday, is facing charges related to violating the Public Finance Management Act.
This is in relation to the R360-million irregular tender that the SAPS gave to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company linked to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Earlier, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told reporters outside the court that “Today marks a defining moment not only for the national commissioner but also for the SAPS. The fact that you have the national commissioner appearing in court on allegations of contravention of the PFMA is a moment of truth.”
She says, “The mere fact that the commissioner submitted himself and availed himself tells that he has respect for the office he serves. It is a moment of reflective renewal. How do we go forward and fix? It is a test to our institutional integrity, our commitment to accountability and our unwavering respect for the rule of law.”
VIDEO | Brig Athlenda Mathe shares more:
Meanwhile, the Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem says Masemola’s court appearance demonstrates that no one is above the law.
“It is a very good thing for South Africa to show that nobody is above the law. Anyone who thinks that he or she can break the law will be arrested and prosecuted. That is what we are saying, it is a very good thing for South Africa.”
VIDEO | Live stream of court appearance:
