Johannesburg — The Medicare24 corruption case involving alleged criminal kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has been postponed to October 29.
Matlala made a brief appearance before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday morning, where proceedings were adjourned to next week.
He is expected to fully rejoin the 14 other co-accused in the R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender corruption case.
An alleged cartel member, Matlala was back in court after his plea agreement with the state collapsed over a proposed prison sentence.
The case concerns alleged corruption surrounding a Police Service healthcare contract valued at up to R228 million.
Matlala’s matter was separated from the broader case after he entered plea negotiations with prosecutors.
However, the agreement fell apart when the parties could not agree on punishment.
Matlala rejected a proposed 12-year direct prison term, while indicating he was willing to accept eight years.
Meanwhile, the charges against suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola were withdrawn on Tuesday after a review of the evidence.
Masemola had been charged alongside Matlala and the other accused in connection with the Medicare24 tender.
The case was pushed by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) led by former boss, Andrea Johnson.
