What Happened with the Medicare24 Deal?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) signed a contract worth about R360 million with a company called Medicare24 Tshwane to provide medical health services for police employees. Later, the agreement was cancelled after investigators found problems with how the deal was awarded.
Why Public Interest SA Got Involved
The Complaint to the Hawks
Public Interest SA, a watchdog group, filed a criminal complaint with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) against Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, who was acting SAPS National Commissioner and, at the time of the deal, the Service’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The group says Dimpane may have broken rules in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) by allowing roughly R48 million to be paid to Medicare24 before an internal review of the procurement was finished.
Evidence They Presented
The organisation says its complaint is backed by documents, including Dimpane’s sworn testimony before a parliamentary ad‑hoc committee that was looking into allegations made by the KwaZulu‑Natal police commissioner. In that testimony, Dimpane confirmed that, as SAPS CFO, she oversaw financial management, internal controls, internal audit, risk management, audit‑committee matters, and combined assurance processes.
What Dimpane Said About the Review
She told the committee that after then‑suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu asked National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to start an internal audit and risk‑management check, she was briefed by the review team while the audit was still underway. Despite that, payments totalling around R48 million were processed before the review concluded.
What Public Interest SA Wants the Hawks to Do
Focus of the Investigation
The group asks the Hawks to look at whether Dimpane failed to meet her PFMA duties, especially those concerning financial management, delegated authority, internal controls, financial misconduct, and possible criminal liability. They stress that the complaint is not a verdict of guilt; it is simply a request for the authorities to examine if there is enough evidence to warrant a criminal probe.
Why They Believe a Gap Exists
Public Interest SA points out that, although 16 people—including 12 senior SAPS officers and two company directors—are already on trial for the Medicare24 scandal, Dimpane has not been charged. The organisation wonders why the SAPS CFO, who had statutory responsibility for the money flowing out of the service, has not faced similar scrutiny.
SAPS’ Response
Spokesperson’s Statement
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, speaking for SAPS, said a forensic investigation into the Medicare24 matter did not find any wrongdoing by Lieutenant General Dimpane. She noted that Dimpane was not a member of any bid committees that handled the procurement and that Supply Chain Management did not report to her.
How Payments Were Handled
According to Mathe, SAPS payment procedures are decentralised: the cost centres that receive goods or services check delivery, sign off invoices, and push the paperwork through the payment process. The forensic review reportedly found no flaws in the internal controls that govern the final payment stage.
What Dimpane Did After Learning of Concerns
Mathe added that once Dimpane became aware of issues with the Medicare24 contract, she acted quickly—stopping payments after the contract was cancelled and supporting the steps that led to its termination. The spokesperson said her conduct shows a commitment to accountability, good governance, and protecting public funds.
Public Interest SA’s Position
Not About Personal Blame
The organisation insists the complaint is not aimed at any individual’s character. It is about making sure public institutions work with integrity, that taxpayer money is safeguarded, and that every official is held to the same legal standard.
Co‑operation with Investigators
Public Interest SA says it will fully cooperate with any investigation and will provide more information if new evidence appears.
Conclusion
The debate over the Medicare24 Tshwane contract highlights the importance of strong financial oversight in government agencies. While the Hawks will decide whether there is enough evidence to pursue criminal action against Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the case serves as a reminder that those entrusted with public money must follow the rules carefully, and that watchdog groups play a role in asking for transparency when concerns arise.
