In a sharply worded 20-point press statement released today, Sunday, Mike van Wyk, founder and CEO of Medicare 24 Holdings (Pty) Ltd, has accused News24 investigative journalist Jeff Wicks of publishing misleading narratives, violating professional deadlines, and endangering lives by releasing a video titled “Who Is Mike van Wyk?” along with “older out-of-context clips”.
The rebuttal comes amid intense scrutiny of a controversial R360-million SAPS occupational health services tender awarded in 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd, a company linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The deal has triggered multiple arrests, including 12 senior police officers and at least one company director, on charges of corruption, fraud, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
The matter is under investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption and has featured in both the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged police capture.
Van Wyk stressed that Medicare 24 Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Medicare24 Public (Pty) Ltd are legally, financially, and operationally separate entities from Medicare24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd, the entity that actually received the tender.
He described his own involvement with the Tshwane company as that of a Consulting CEO providing limited guidance and implementation support, based on Holdings’ industry experience.
He insisted the tender was never awarded to his primary company and that due diligence visits mistakenly took place at Holdings’ Boksburg offices.
Addressing videos circulated by Wicks including a “Money Video” from about three years ago involving cash and an “Introduction Video” from roughly two years ago van Wyk admitted they represented lapses in judgment but maintained they were never intended to facilitate unlawful activity and appear compromising only when stripped of historical context.
He revealed that he and another individual met Wicks several months ago, during which Wicks allegedly made his position clear: as long as they did not “bullshit” him, they would be fine, because anyone who opposed him would be “destroyed.”
Van Wyk also noted that Wicks had recently spoken publicly about protecting whistle-blowers, yet was now allegedly exposing someone cooperating with authorities.
Van Wyk claimed he received a WhatsApp message from Wicks on Saturday 28 March setting an 8pm Sunday deadline for comment, only for a TikTok reel featuring the material to appear earlier that morning.
He accused the journalist of prioritising sensationalism over accuracy, especially given an ongoing criminal investigation and the real risks faced by those involved. Van Wyk said he has endured numerous break-ins and persistent threats to his life, leading him to open a formal case with the South African Police Service.
Referencing the recent assassination of “Witness D” (Marius van der Merwe), a Madlanga Commission whistle-blower killed shortly after testifying, van Wyk asked pointedly whether Wicks was willing to risk another life for digital engagement.
He concluded by turning the question around: “Who is the real Mr Wicks?” and suggested the journalist was following through on an earlier threat of “destruction.”
The statement has intensified an already heated public battle. Wicks, known for his long-running “9 Lives” investigations into Matlala’s business dealings and links to state contracts, has played a central role in bringing the SAPS tender irregularities to light.
Matlala himself has testified in related inquiries, describing how the Medicare24 Tshwane entity was structured with input from van Wyk and others.