South Africa arrests 12 senior police officers in corruption probe tied to service contract

South African anti-corruption investigators have arrested 12 senior police officers on allegations of corruption and fraud, according to a statement released Wednesday by the National Prosecuting Authority’s investigative directorate.

The officers appeared in court in Pretoria following their arrests. Authorities allege the case is linked to a contract involving the provision of health and wellbeing services to police personnel. A 13th individual, identified as a company director connected to the contract, was also taken into custody, the agency said.

According to the prosecuting authority, the investigation focuses on whether the contract was awarded or managed improperly. The allegations have not been proven in court.

The arrests come amid broader scrutiny of South Africa’s police leadership. An inquiry ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa is examining claims of high-level corruption within the service. Separately, a parliamentary process is reviewing allegations that some senior officers maintained relationships with alleged crime figures and, in some cases, received payments in exchange for favours.

The government inquiries are ongoing, and no findings have been finalized. It remains unclear when the current case will return to court.