Few names have dominated proceedings at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as consistently as that of businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Although he has repeatedly denied many of the allegations levelled against him, the 49-year-old has emerged as one of the most controversial figures linked to claims of corruption, political influence and organised crime within the country’s law enforcement structures. His long-awaited testimony before the commission has now been postponed until 1 September after commissioners granted his application for more time.
From township upbringing to businessman
Matlala told Parliament last year that he grew up in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, during apartheid and endured a difficult childhood. Raised largely by his mother before she disappeared for a period, he described living on the streets and struggling to survive before later reconnecting with her shortly before her death.
He has also spoken publicly about learning that his mother, who had albinism, had been sexually assaulted because of harmful myths surrounding the condition.
After leaving school, Matlala said he survived through informal trading before moving into business. His past, however, included several encounters with the criminal justice system. He acknowledged serving a prison sentence after a 2001 conviction for possession of stolen property, while saying numerous other criminal cases against him either ended in acquittals or were withdrawn.
Rise to lucrative state contracts
Matlala says he formally entered business in 2017, establishing companies involved in private security before expanding into healthcare services.
His companies later secured lucrative government contracts, including a controversial police healthcare contract worth about R360 million. Investigators have questioned how businesses with limited healthcare experience secured such significant work, although Matlala has denied wrongdoing.
Allegations before the Madlanga Commission
Over the past 10 months, witness after witness has mentioned Matlala’s name during testimony before the Madlanga Commission.
The inquiry has heard allegations that he cultivated relationships with senior police officers and influential public officials by offering expensive gifts, personal loans and other benefits in exchange for influence over contracts and investigations. Those implicated have generally denied wrongdoing or disputed the allegations.
Among the claims presented to the commission are allegations that:
- Suspended deputy police chief Major-General Shadrack Sibiya received 20 impalas from Matlala. Sibiya has denied receiving gifts from any service provider.
- Former organised crime head Major-General Richard Shibiri acknowledged receiving a personal loan from Matlala, which he said was fully repaid, while denying any improper relationship.
- Former senior officer Brigadier Rachel Matjeng admitted having a personal relationship with Matlala that allegedly included expensive gifts. She has since been dismissed from the police service.
The commission has also heard allegations linking Matlala to the so-called “Big Five” criminal cartel, claims he has not yet addressed before the inquiry.
Political controversy
Matlala’s name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with senior political figures.
The commission has heard allegations that funds linked to Matlala were channelled towards political activities involving suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu has rejected the allegations.
Former police minister Bheki Cele has also been accused by Matlala of requesting money and personal assistance, claims Cele has denied while acknowledging they knew each other.
Criminal charges
Away from the commission, Matlala faces several criminal cases.
He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges involving a former partner. In a separate corruption case linked to the police healthcare tender, he initially entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors before withdrawing from the deal after the proposed sentence became the subject of disagreement.
September testimony eagerly awaited
Although Matlala appeared briefly before the Madlanga Commission this week, substantive evidence has been postponed until September. Commissioners have instructed him to submit his witness statement before returning to the inquiry.
With months of testimony having placed him at the centre of allegations involving senior police officers, politicians and government contracts, many South Africans will now be watching closely to see how he responds when he finally gives evidence under oath.
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