The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for South African Police Service (Saps) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to be placed on precautionary suspension, while the R360-million Medicare24 tender matter is in court.

Masemola was served with a warrant to secure his court appearance on April 21 in connection with an investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on the R360-million Medicare24 tender, linked to a company associated with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Twelve senior Saps officers and Medicare24 director Claudette Masethe appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, following their arrests by the IDAC.

“Masemola's arrest is not the first of its kind since two previous predecessors faced the same fate. This latest development strikes at the heart of public trust in the Saps,” said DA spokesperson on Police Lisa Schickerling.

She echoed the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF’s) concern about alleged systemic corruption within Saps. 

On Wednesday the EFF said the arrests of the Saps officers must lead to successful prosecutions, asset recovery, and the permanent removal of corrupt elements from the State.

The party described the arrest of 12 officials as a “necessary step towards accountability” but warned it must not tail off into merely an “illusion of justice”.

The DA said urgent steps must be taken to stabilise Saps leadership and restore integrity in the institution for effective crime fighting.

“… South Africans cannot be expected to have confidence in a police service where those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves accused of breaking it,” Schickerling said.