South African tax service demands R14.2 million in taxes from Medicare24 — TimesLIVE
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has demanded that Medicare24 Tshwane District pay R14.2 million in overdue taxes. The company belongs to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been charged in two separate criminal cases.
As TimesLIVE reports, SARS issued its final demand in May and gave Medicare24 10 working days to pay the full amount. The publication found that the company has not settled the debt or entered into an agreement with the tax service to repay the arrears in instalments.
Possible debt recovery
The demand states that Medicare24 may apply to pay the debt in instalments if it is unable to settle it immediately. The document does not provide a breakdown of the R14.2 million amount: it is listed as the overdue balance on the latest statement from the company’s tax account.
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SARS warned that it may require third parties that owe money to Medicare24 or hold funds on the company’s behalf to transfer that money directly to the tax authority. The service may also seek a civil court judgment; after obtaining an enforcement document, the company’s assets may be seized and sold. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid amount.
Contract with the police
In 2024, Medicare24 received a contract from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide health risk management services for police employees. The contract was initially valued at R360 million, while R228 million was later cited. The agreement was cancelled following statements by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation about possible procurement irregularities, the use of front persons and collusion.
Matlala has been charged with tender fraud and corruption linked to the SAPS contract. His next appearance at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court is expected on September 25. In another case, he is appearing in court on 25 charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy, fraud and obstruction of justice, related to the alleged 2023 attack on actress Tebogo Thobejane.
