Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a name recently synonymous with controversy and crime syndicate infiltration within South Africa’s police service, is testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee sitting at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
2:00 PM:Evidence Leader Arendse probed Matlala about his relationship with acting National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
It emerged that his first meeting with Sibiya concerned his dispute over access to the police college facility that he was leasing. Arendse commented that it was odd that he was contacting a national commissioner over a matter such as that.
Matlala has previously accused police of having a corrupt relationship with doctors occupying the clinic at the college.
Matlala said Sibiya had also contacted him in connection with the kidnapping of Matlala’s friend.
1:00 pm: The committee has now paused for a lunch break. Proceedings are expected to continue at 2 pm.
A shackled Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, dressed to the nines in Burberry from head to toe, appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee in a special sitting at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services Centre. Matlala was supported by his wife, Tsakani, who was in the public gallery. MPs from the MK Party pushed for a delay in proceedings to allow the attempted murder accused to complete his written statement, but other MPs were not having it – insisting he testify orally.
Watch the highlights in the video below:
12:40 pm: Matlala says he can’t be held responsible for the SAPS’s failure to exercise due diligence on the SAPS R360-million tender contract. The tender contract was awarded to him in 2024.
12:30 pm: Matlala is refusing to answer questions about a R360 million SAPS health services contract that was awarded to his company. Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that any information given before the Parliamentary Committee cannot be used against him in subsequent criminal investigations. Arendse then explained that whatever Matlala said before them cannot be used by any outside third party “unless of course you lie, or you said untruths”.
12:10 pm: Evidence leader Norman Arendse questions Matlala about a 2024 lease agreement for a hospital premises at the South African Police Services College. It was alleged that Mahlala had acquired the facility in anticipation of a tender; however, he claims he wanted to use it as an opportunity to render services to students injured during training.
12:00 pm – Matlala was questioned about his relationship with late taxi boss King Mswazi, whose real name is Jotham Zanemvula Msibi. Matlala confirmed that he had provided protection services to Msibi, who is believed to be part of the “Big 5” crime syndicate.
However, Matlala said he did not have a relationship with other alleged Big 5 cartel member KT Molefe, who attended Msibi’s funeral, nor did he provide him with protection services.
A timeline of the allegations surrounding Matlala.
11:50 am – Matlala has told the Ad Hoc Committee he has nine children with his wife, Tsakane, and that he supports them all. He told MPs he grew up in Mamelodi East, where he was raised by a single mother. After completing his matric, he traded informally, buying and selling goods, later got convicted for trading in illegal goods. He formally registered a security business in 2017 providing security services to schools, businesses and construction sites.
🚨WHO IS CAT MATLALA?🚨 Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has told the Ad Hoc Committee he has 9 children with his wife, Tsakane, and that he supports them all. He told MPs he grew up in Mamelodi East, where he was raised by a single mother. After completing his matric he traded informally… pic.twitter.com/kXcKtxC3MU
11:50 am – Matlala has taken his oath in front of the committee and is currently being questioned on his business background by Evidence Leader Norman Arendse.
🚨SO HELP ME GOD! 🚨 Controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has taken the oath at the Ad Hoc Committee, which is sitting at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services Centre in Pretoria. Follow the proceedings: https://t.co/iYlTv4RrIGpic.twitter.com/vQYXLm4jAc
11:30 am – Committee members are currently arguing over the fact that there isn’t a signed affidavit presented before the committee. Only a draft statement has been provided, and Evidence Leader Norman Arendse believes this is sufficient. It is expected to be signed today.
11:10 am – Matlala has appeared before the committee and is currently seated. Members of the media have been given 10 minutes to take pictures.
Matlala has appeared before the committee.
Vusimuzi Matlala’s wife, Tsakane Matlala, is at Kgosi Mampuru supporting her husband as he testifies about his alleged role in capturing the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Matlala, nicknamed the ‘John Wick of Mamelodi’ and allegedly the leader of the notorious cartel known as “The Big Five,” has been held in custody since his arrest in April.
Facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a R2-billion fraud scandal linked to Tembisa Hospital, Matlala’s testimony is considered one of the most anticipated so far in this sweeping investigation.
The committee was established in October following explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused senior police officials and politicians of deliberately undermining police operations to protect drug cartels and criminal networks connected to politically motivated killings.
On July 6, Mkhwanazi alleged that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on December 31, 2024, allegedly to shield Matlala and other criminals with political connections.
This hearing will notably include Matlala’s own account amid these serious allegations, including claims that he captured and controlled the police service’s procurement services.
Ahead of the session, Matlala’s legal team sought a last-minute postponement, citing his deteriorating health and lack of sufficient time to prepare due to his ongoing detention.
His lead attorney, Matlhatsi Abram Madira, described reviewing the extensive documentation necessary for the defence as “virtually impossible,” adding, “Consulting with Mr Matlala has become an absolute nightmare in prison.”
Despite these hurdles, Ad Hoc Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed the hearing will proceed as planned.
“We have made special arrangements at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre to accommodate Mr Matlala’s confinement status and ensure he can testify,” Lekganyane said.
Matlala’s testimony is expected to provide pivotal insight into the financial and operational structures underlying the alleged crime syndicate’s infiltration of the police service.
As this investigation reaches a critical juncture, the nation watches closely, awaiting answers that could expose the depths of corruption within one of South Africa’s key institutions.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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