“It related to services involving retirement due to ill health, wellness screenings and medical assessments prior to employment.”

“The tender was later cancelled because of red flags around it.”

“It is understood that the State’s case is that several of the arrested police officers were allegedly involved in overlooking certain matters or misrepresenting issues, to benefit Matlala and Medicare 24.”

“For example, it is alleged that in standard bid documents, Medicare 24, via Matlala, declared that it was not involved in any consultations or arrangements with any official linked to the procurement process. However, based on investigations, this appeared to be false.”

“It was also alleged that when certain police officers did due diligence at Medicare 24’s premises, the company did not have a computerised system compatible with the police’s database. However, certain officers then misrepresented this, saying the opposite, that Medicare 24 had a compatible computerised system.”

“Had the reality been reflected, Medicare 24’s bid submission would have been disqualified.”

“Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, the SAPS’s divisional commissioner of supply chain management, testified last year before the committee, explaining how tenders were awarded.”

“This process included a bid evaluation committee having to ensure that suppliers complied with criteria, “issues of tax compliance need to be taken into [account]”, and relevant documents needed to be properly completed.”

“The bid evaluation committee then provided a recommendation that went to a bid adjudication committee.”

“Daily Maverick has established, based on documents that Fani submitted to the ad hoc committee, that several of the police officers arrested on Tuesday were on the bid evaluation committee in the Medicare 24 saga.”

“Audit findings stated that the facilitator in the bid evaluation committee exposed SAPS's bidding process to corruption risks.”

“Cartwright and Murray face allegations of failing to disclose consultations with Matlala regarding the Medicare 24 tender.”

“The arrests are part of a larger scandal alleging infiltration of the police by the Big Five cartel.”

“KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged infiltration of policing, politics, and private security by a drug cartel.”

“Parliament's ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry are investigating cartel infiltration claims.”

“Dumisani Khumalo and six colleagues were arrested for corruption charges related to an irregular appointment.”

“Mkhwanazi believes Dumisani Khumalo was framed to impede Crime Intelligence investigations into the Big Five cartel.”

“Further police arrests are anticipated based on ongoing investigations into the scandal.”