Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala remains at the centre of major headlines in South Africa, implicated in an expanding police corruption scandal. This week, Matlala was discovered with a mobile phone during a raid at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria, where he is currently classified as a high-risk inmate and housed in the high-security C-Max section. The raid was led by Correctional Services national commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, following a previous bust over the weekend that found Matlala in possession of the device[3].
Matlala is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the alleged infiltration and “capture” of South African law enforcement. He stands accused of orchestrating influence within the police through gifts, cash, and political favours, and has reportedly established close relationships with current Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police official Shadrack Sibiya. These relationships allegedly contributed to the shutting down of investigations that were targeting powerful individuals. Reports indicate a police task team probing political assassinations and broader corruption was disbanded under direct political instruction, with arrest warrants in major cases never executed[2].
Allegations further extend to Matlala’s purported involvement in syndicates dealing with international drug trafficking, port corruption, illegal weapons, and high-value contraband movement—operations said to be coordinated from Gauteng with assistance from corrupt police insiders who manipulated customs procedures[2].
Matlala’s entanglement in state contracts is also under scrutiny. An investigative report highlights that last year, he secured a R360 million health services tender from the police, which was abruptly cancelled days before his arrest. This, according to News24 investigative journalist Jeff Wicks, occurred even as the Thembisa hospital corruption matter—where Matlala is also implicated—remained under investigation[4].
Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently denied all allegations of ties with Matlala, stating he had never met Matlala and had no involvement in contract matters linked to him[1].
Commentators and police oversight figures have raised concerns that ongoing revelations could derail public confidence in the South African Police Service, which had been rebuilding trust after previous scandals[4].
References
- [1] JUST IN: Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala | The Citizen
- [2] Bheki Cele stayed in luxury suite owned by dodgy tender mogul ‘Cat’ Matlala | IOL
- [3] Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala found with mobile phone at Kgosi Mampuru | IOL
- [4] How is Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala linked to the police corruption allegations? | EWN