PRETORIA — South Africa's top police officer, Fannie Masemola, appeared in a Pretoria court on charges of violating the Public Finance Management Act, which regulates the government's awarding of contracts. The case was postponed to May 13.

Masemola faces four counts under the act and has not entered a plea. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison or a fine.

The charges relate to a 360 million-rand contract that was allegedly awarded to provide health and well-being services to police officers. It is alleged that the contract was irregularly awarded and that some police officers received bribes from the winning bidders. The contract has since been canceled by the police.

At least 12 senior police officers have been arrested and charged by prosecutors in connection with the contract. Among them, one held the rank of major-general and several held the rank of brigadier. All 12 were released on bail.

Prosecutors said that Masemola's case would be joined to those of 16 others, including the 12 senior police officers. The officers are accused of corruption alongside a businessman whose company was at the heart of the contract, Vusi "Cat" Matlala. Matlala has testified on alleged links between senior police officers and crime bosses.

Masemola said that the decision to step down lay with the president and that he was continuing with his normal duties. President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said it had noted the charges against Masemola and would address the matter in accordance with the law.

Ramaphosa appointed a commission of inquiry last year to probe allegations of corruption within the police service. Lawmakers have conducted a separate parliamentary probe into the corruption allegations.