DPCI Denies Investigating Acting SAPS National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane Over Medicare24 Contract Complaint
Questions surrounding Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane have intensified after a criminal complaint linked to the controversial R360 million Medicare24 contract surfaced. However, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, has moved swiftly to dismiss claims that it has opened an investigation into the country’s top acting police official.
The clarification comes after civil society organisation Public Interest SA lodged a formal criminal complaint, asking authorities to investigate whether Dimpane violated the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) during her previous tenure as the South African Police Service (SAPS) Chief Financial Officer.
At the centre of the complaint is the controversial Medicare24 health services contract, a deal valued at R360 million that has attracted widespread public scrutiny. Public Interest SA alleges that Dimpane shared financial oversight when approximately R48 million was paid under the contract.
The Medicare24 agreement was later cancelled after procurement irregularities emerged. The contract has also been linked to alleged cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, adding further public interest to the matter.
Despite growing speculation, the DPCI has stressed that it is not investigating Dimpane.
In a statement, the Hawks explained that the complaint received was connected to an existing matter already being handled by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
“The complaint received by the DPCI is linked to an existing matter that is currently handled by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). In accordance with established procedures and to prevent duplication of investigations, the complaint submitted to the DPCI was referred to IDAC for further consideration and the complainant was informed accordingly.”
The DPCI said the referral should not be interpreted as the opening of a criminal case or the launch of an investigation against Dimpane.
Officials further emphasised that the complaint was transferred solely because it overlaps with an existing investigation being conducted by IDAC. According to the Hawks, this step follows standard procedures designed to avoid multiple agencies investigating the same matter simultaneously.
While the DPCI has distanced itself from any investigation into the Acting National Commissioner, the referral ensures that the allegations raised by Public Interest SA will remain under consideration within the broader corruption investigation already underway.
The development comes at a time when public scrutiny of procurement processes and accountability within SAPS remains high, particularly in cases involving significant public funds and allegations of irregular government contracts. Whether the complaint results in any further action now rests with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
