Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, a 49-year-old figure at the center of a police corruption inquiry, is scheduled to be questioned by the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday. The anticipated testimony comes as Matlala, known for his resilience, has previously described a challenging upbringing. Matlala stated, "I had to raise myself. I was actually a street kid," reflecting on his early life experiences. He has also referred to himself as having "nine lives," a phrase often associated with overcoming significant obstacles. Matlala's appearance before the commission is expected to shed light on allegations linked to the ongoing investigation into police misconduct. The Madlanga Commission, which has been diligently investigating allegations of police corruption, has been in progress for 10 months. Matlala himself has been in police custody for over a year in connection with a separate case, a situation that has unfolded during the commission's proceedings.
Web of Alleged Bribery
Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala has been accused of providing gifts, including 20 impalas, the pharmaceutical Ozempic, and personal loans, to influence officials and secure police contracts. These allegations form a significant part of the inquiry's focus, detailing a pattern of alleged attempts to gain favor and contractual advantages through illicit means. Matlala informed parliament's inquiry that he paid Bheki Cele, the Police Minister, a 500,000 rand ($31,000; £23,000) "facilitation fee" after police returned his firearms. This payment, Matlala claimed, was made to expedite the return of his weapons. It was alleged that Major-General Shadrack Sibiya received 20 impalas from Matlala at approximately the same time Matlala was awarded a police contract. This timing has drawn scrutiny from investigators, suggesting a potential quid pro quo arrangement. Major-General Sibiya, however, denied the allegations, stating he did "not receive anything from a service provider" and firmly refuting any impropriety.
Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the Madlanga Commission that she had an on-off romantic relationship with Matlala. During this relationship, Brigadier Matjeng acknowledged receiving Ozempic, a medication, from Matlala. Her testimony detailed the nature of their personal connection and the specific gifts exchanged. Additionally, Major-General Richard Shibiri admitted to receiving a "personal loan" of $4,000 from Matlala, which he stated he subsequently repaid. Major-General Shibiri clarified his understanding of the situation at the time, stating, "At no stage was I aware that he was a member of any cartel or that he was a subject of any criminal investigation." Both Major-General Richard Shibiri and Brigadier Rachel Matjeng have since been fired from the police force following their testimony before the commission, indicating the serious repercussions of the ongoing investigation.
Allegations also surfaced that Julius Mkhwanazi, while serving as the acting police chief in Ekurhuleni, arranged for blue lights and sirens to be installed on Matlala's vehicles. This particular allegation suggests an abuse of official power to provide special privileges to Matlala. Mkhwanazi referred to Matlala as his "blood brother," indicating a close personal relationship that may have influenced his actions. It was further alleged that the suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was indirectly receiving financial campaign contributions from Matlala. These contributions were reportedly channeled to support Mchunu's political activities, raising questions about the ethical boundaries between public officials and private individuals seeking contracts. The inquiry also addressed the origin of Matlala's nickname; it was stated that his nickname "Cat" is due to his nine children, rather than his often-cited ability to survive difficult situations. This clarification offers a different perspective on a widely recognized aspect of his public persona.
A Tumultuous Past
Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, who was born in 1976, first gained public recognition three years ago following allegations of tender irregularities at a state hospital. This initial public scrutiny marked his emergence as a figure of interest in cases involving public funds and contracts. Growing up in a township located east of Pretoria, Matlala has previously characterized himself as a "street kid" who was forced to raise himself. He recounted reuniting with his mother in 2002, shortly before her death from a terminal illness. Following her passing, Matlala discovered that his mother had been sexually assaulted, reportedly due to myths surrounding her albinism, adding a tragic dimension to his personal history.
Matlala's past also includes legal troubles. In 2001, he was convicted and served a prison sentence for the possession of stolen goods. This conviction marked a significant period in his early adult life. Over the years, he faced arrests for various offenses, including house robberies, a cash-in-transit heist, and assault, though he was either acquitted of these charges or they were subsequently withdrawn. These repeated brushes with the law paint a picture of a tumultuous history. More recently, in May 2025, Matlala was arrested and charged with attempted murder, an accusation he denies. His wife, Tsakane Matlala, also faces the same charge and similarly denies her involvement, linking her to his current legal challenges. He was later charged with corruption concerning allegations related to providing health services to the police. Matlala pleaded guilty last month as part of a deal with the prosecution but has since withdrawn that plea, creating further legal complexities in his case.
Despite this extensive history of legal issues and a lack of prior experience in certain sectors, Matlala reportedly turned his life around in 2017, marking a key moment in his career trajectory. In that year, he registered his first formal business, focusing on security services. He subsequently expanded these services into healthcare, securing lucrative contracts with a hospital and the police, despite having no prior track record in the healthcare sector. This rapid expansion into an unrelated field, coupled with the attainment of significant contracts, has become a central point of the ongoing corruption inquiry. Allegations of a corrupt relationship between Matlala and senior police officers have emerged since September, prompting the current extensive investigation.
Denials and Counterclaims
Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala gave evidence at a parliamentary corruption inquiry in November, where he denied specific corruption allegations. During his testimony, Matlala admitted to making donations for activities related to the African National Congress (ANC). These donations, while acknowledged, are subject to scrutiny regarding their intent and potential influence. He has not yet addressed wider allegations at the Madlanga Commission or accusations of being part of a drug trafficking cartel known as the Big Five. His upcoming testimony before the Madlanga Commission is expected to delve into these unaddressed accusations, potentially providing further details or denials.
Several individuals named in the inquiry have issued denials or provided counterclaims. Senzo Mchunu denied accusations of indirectly receiving financial campaign contributions from Matlala, distancing himself from any alleged illicit funding. Police Minister Bheki Cele admitted to knowing Matlala and staying at his penthouse twice, but denied receiving any money from him, acknowledging a personal acquaintance but refuting financial transactions. Major-General Shadrack Sibiya also denied receiving anything from a service provider, maintaining his innocence regarding the impala allegations. Major-General Richard Shibiri denied having a close friendship with Matlala, attempting to downplay the nature of their relationship despite admitting to receiving a loan.
Conversely, Julius Mkhwanazi admitted to receiving money from Matlala, referring to him as his "blood brother." This admission directly contradicts some of the denials from other police officials and notes a differing perspective on Matlala's relationships within the police force. Matlala's past includes a significant shift in his life, as he reportedly turned his life around in 2017, registering his first formal business for security services. He subsequently expanded these services into healthcare, scoring lucrative contracts with a hospital and the police, despite having no prior track record in the healthcare sector. These contracts, obtained relatively quickly after his business registration, are a key area of focus for the commission. Allegations of a corrupt relationship between Matlala and senior police officers have emerged since September, forming the bedrock of the current investigation into police misconduct and the integrity of public procurement processes.
Commission's Progress
The Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of police corruption, has been in progress for 10 months. Its extensive duration shows the complexity and breadth of the allegations it is examining. Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala has been in police custody for over a year in connection with a separate case during the commission's proceedings, a factor that has likely influenced the pace and nature of the inquiry. Major-General Richard Shibiri and Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, both of whom testified before the commission and admitted to certain dealings with Matlala, have since been fired from the police force. Their dismissal notes the serious consequences faced by officials implicated in the ongoing corruption investigation and shows the commission's commitment to addressing misconduct within the police ranks. The commission continues its work, with Matlala's upcoming testimony anticipated to be a critical juncture in uncovering the full scope of the alleged corruption.
