National police commissioner Fannie Masemola will face criminal charges over Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s tainted R360 million health services tender.

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola will face criminal charges over Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s tainted R360 million health services tender.

Masemola was on Wednesday served with a warrant to secure his appearance in court, News24 understands.

His court appearance is scheduled for 21 April.

This follows a series of arrests by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption on Tuesday.

Twelve senior police officers, along with Matlala, face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

It is understood that the top cop will face charges related to his alleged flouting of the Public Finance Management Act.

He will be the third serving National Police Commissioner to be charged after Khomotso Phahlane and Jackie Selebi.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the latest development regarding Masemola and his scheduled court appearance.

“President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law. The president, working together with the minister of police, is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The South African Police Service has been approached for comment and this will be added when received.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comment from the Presidency.