‘Upset’ Cachalia says Ramaphosa will ‘know what to do’ amid calls for Masemola’s suspension
Fact-Check Results
“Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says President Cyril Ramaphosa will 'know what needs to be done', following the upcoming court appearance of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola over the ill-fated policing contract awarded to Medicare24 and calls for his suspension.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to confirm or refute statements about Cachalia's comments on Ramaphosa's actions
“The president placed police minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave in 2025 shortly after KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed an organised crime group had influenced him.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to verify presidential actions regarding Mchunu's special leave
“Senior police from SAPS and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department were suspended in January this year on the basis of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to confirm suspensions based on the Madlanga Commission report
“While there have been calls from the Democratic Alliance for Ramaphosa to suspend Masemola, he has not done so yet.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to verify Democratic Alliance calls or Ramaphosa's response
“This week, the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) arrested 12 police officers implicated in the award of a R360-million police health contract to alleged crime kingpin Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala’s company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to confirm Idac's arrests related to the Medicare24 contract
“Masemola has been summoned to appear in court related to the matter on 21 April. It is unclear at this point what exactly the evidence or charges against him are.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to verify court appearance dates or charges against Masemola
“Masemola acknowledged 'red flags' around the contract but maintained he did not receive any money from it.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to confirm Masemola's statements about the contract
“Masemola, as the police’s accounting officer, appears likely to face charges related to the Public Finance Management Act for allegedly not acting quickly enough to intervene in the contract despite warnings.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to verify potential charges under the Public Finance Management Act
“On Friday, 27 March 2026, Cachalia told journalists in Parliament he had briefed Ramaphosa and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi about the situation.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to confirm Cachalia's briefing to Ramaphosa and Kubayi
“Cachalia spoke to Masemola himself.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence in archive to verify Cachalia's personal communication with Masemola
“Masemola’s deputy, Sibiya, is also on suspension due to allegations of association with criminal behavior linked to Matlala.”
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PENDING
“The DA called for Masemola to be placed on precautionary suspension, as he did with General Shadrack Sibiya, while the matter is in court.”
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PENDING
“Legal experts argue that Ramaphosa is under no obligation to suspend Masemola while he remains innocent until proven guilty.”
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PENDING
“Some legal experts claim the charges against Masemola are not as serious as corruption charges, but Ramaphosa could still take action.”
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PENDING
“Ramaphosa’s spokesperson would not comment on speculation about Masemola’s possible suspension.”
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PENDING