Madlanga: Why was Masemola put in the dock with Cat Matlala?

Former IDAC head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, has conceded that SAPS commissioner, Fannie Masemola, was not facing corruption and fraud charges.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga sharply questioned former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson why they put suspended Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola in the same dock as alleged tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his co-accused, suggesting it may have unfairly damaged his reputation.

During proceedings at the commission of inquiry, Madlanga said Masemola should never have been prosecuted alongside the accused facing fraud and corruption charges because the offences against him were entirely different.

Johnson agreed that Masemola should not have been joined with Matlala and the other accused but could not provide a clear reason why the prosecution had combined the cases.

Masemola first appeared alone in court on April 21, 2026.