DA calls for probe into SAPS R360 million healthcare tender

THE DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) has demanded an investigation into a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender amid alleged suspicious ties and conflicts of interest.

The party said the awarding of the SAPS health services tender to Medicare24 Tshwane in June 2024 raises significant questions, particularly surrounding the involvement of former SAPS official, Petunia Lenono.

Lenono is a former brigadier and a former member of the bid evaluation committee that examined Medicare's submission.

The party said it is suspicious how Lenono can recommend the award of the tender to Medicare24 and resign from the SAPS no more than six days after the tender was granted.

The DA alleges that Lenono had been assigned a Medicare24 e-mail address, despite her claims that she has not been appointed to any role at the company.

The DA said Lenono’s direct involvement in the approval of the tender and her subsequent connection to the former director of Medicare24, Vusimusi Cat Matlala, whose companies have been previously investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks, raises red flags that demand immediate scrutiny.

“If it is found that Lenono had any private communication or involvement with Matlala or his entities before the award of the tender, the SAPS must launch a full investigation into the bidding process and take swift action to ensure that no conflicts of interest have compromised the integrity of this tender,” said DA.

The DA said they will pose parliamentary questions to seek clarity on the involvement of Lenono in the tender process, and to establish whether any prior private connections or communications existed between Lenono and Matlala or his companies before the award of the contract.

“if any irregularities are found, the SAPS must undertake a complete audit of its bid evaluation procedures to restore public confidence in the procurement process,” said the DA.

The DA has urged SAPS to conduct an urgent and independent audit of this tender, focusing on the role played by both Lenono and Matlala.

The party also plans to file a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to obtain the full bid documents in order to conduct a thorough review of the bidding process.