DPCI denies investigating Acting SAPS National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane over Medicare24 contract
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, has firmly denied that it is investigating Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, seeking to clarify speculation surrounding a criminal complaint linked to a controversial multimillion-rand police contract.
The clarification follows a formal complaint lodged by civil society organisation Public Interest SA, which called for an investigation into whether Dimpane contravened the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) during her tenure as the South African Police Service (SAPS) Chief Financial Officer.
At the centre of the complaint is the controversial R360 million Medicare24 health services contract, under which R48 million was paid before the agreement was ultimately cancelled over procurement irregularities.
Public Interest SA alleges that Dimpane shared financial oversight responsibilities at the time the payments were authorised. The contract has attracted significant public attention because of its alleged links to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been described by authorities as an alleged cartel leader.
However, the Hawks have dismissed suggestions that they have opened a criminal investigation into Dimpane.
In a statement, the DPCI 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 Hawks stressed that referring the complaint should not be interpreted as the opening of a criminal case or the launch of an investigation against the acting national commissioner.
According to the DPCI, the referral was an administrative step designed to ensure that all issues connected to the existing investigation remain under one investigative process.
The directorate further emphasised that the complaint was transferred solely because IDAC is already handling matters relating to the Medicare24 contract. It said the referral does not amount to the registration of a criminal case or the initiation of a new investigation by the Hawks.
The development comes as scrutiny over public procurement and accountability within the SAPS continues to intensify, with the Medicare24 contract remaining one of the most closely watched cases involving alleged procurement irregularities in recent years.
