None of the people already linked to the R288m SAPS Medicare24 tender corruption case has approached the state to negotiate a plea deal yet, according to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), which told EWN that more names could be added to the list.
Henry Mamothame, IDAC’s spokesperson, said some of those already before the court may also be looking at additional charges.
Currently, 12 senior police officers, including suspended Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and two company directors, are facing charges that include corruption and money-laundering in connection with the tender.
Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi Matlala appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria last week, where he deposed an affidavit detailing the alleged criminal conduct of some of the accused police officers apparently involved in the shenanigans.
IDAC said the current charge sheet could still be amended, depending on the outcome of the plea and sentence agreement reached with Matlala.
“We indicated on record … that because of the additional charges that may arise pending that outcome, we would only disclose any other detail after the completion of the process to be undertaken on 1 July at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court,” said Mamothame.
The court is expected to make known its decision to either endorse or throw out the plea and sentence on Wednesday, and two weeks after this judgment, the State will share its evidence with the defence in preparation for the trial.
The matter returns to court on 28 August.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Madlanga Inquiry evidence implicates Medicare24 boss in drug deals
R360m SAPS health contract to be re-advertised
Bid committee member joins firm awarded top SAPS health tender