Cellphone, Secret Visits: Inside Cat Matlala Jail Shake-Up, Prison Boss Probed After Super Max Transfer

The sudden transfer of high-profile attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to a super-maximum prison in KwaZulu-Natal has triggered an internal probe within the Department of Correctional Services.

Sources claim the move followed concerns that a senior correctional services official based in Pretoria may have been too close to Matlala while he was being held at Kgosi Mampuru II prison.

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“It was found that there seems to be links between the top official and Matlala,” a departmental source alleged. “When Matlala was found with a cellphone last year, it seems he could have received it from a senior official.”

Another source confirmed that the official in question is now under investigation.

Cellphone, Excessive Visits Raise Red Flags

Matlala, who is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, was transferred from the C-Max section of Kgosi Mampuru II prison to the eBongweni super-maximum facility in Kokstad on December 21. The department only confirmed the move days later, describing it as part of a “security assessment”.

Sources allege Matlala was receiving frequent visits while on remand, raising concerns about security breaches.

“Remand inmates have unlimited visits, unlike convicted inmates, so he had to be moved,” one source said.

Another insider said staffing dynamics at the Pretoria prison added to the risk.

“Many of the officials working at C-Max are from Mamelodi and that makes [Matlala] a security risk because he can easily get favours. This means the department doesn’t trust employed officials,” the source said.

Fears of Assassination and Poisoning Behind Move

Other sources within correctional services claim the transfer was driven by intelligence suggesting Matlala’s life was in danger.

“There was intel received that Matlala’s life was at risk, and that is why he had to be transferred,” a source said.

Matlala is reportedly being housed in the hospital wing at eBongweni prison and isolated from other inmates.

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“He is kept in the hospital section and only EST members and managers attend to him. We were informed that a threat exists. He is not injured,” said another insider.

A warder at Kgosi Mampuru II claimed Matlala was deeply paranoid about being poisoned.

“Every day when his food is brought to him, he would ask the warder to take the first few bites before he eats it. If a warder refuses, then he wouldn’t eat it,” the warder said.

Department Rejects Claims of Rogue Official

Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo rejected allegations linking a senior official to Matlala.

“The allegations being suggested are without merit and have no factual basis,” Nxumalo said. “It must be respected that correctional services does not conduct sensitive security operations, and for security reasons, certain details cannot be disclosed publicly.”

Nxumalo said transfers such as Matlala’s are standard when security risks are identified.

“The safety and security of detainees, officials and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence,” he said.

Why eBongweni Was Chosen For Matlala

Security analyst Willem Els from the Institute for Security Studies said eBongweni prison is one of the most secure facilities in the country.

“It is more secure, and it has single cells,” Els said. “Inmates only have one hour a day for exercise without contact with other prisoners. For safety purposes, it makes more sense to move him there.”

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Els added that Matlala’s case carries serious implications.

“He is highly valuable and could implicate a lot of people. What comes out in court could affect many high-profile figures,” he said.

Matlala is expected to appear in the Johannesburg High Court on January 29.

He, his wife Tsakane, and co-accused Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Zandile Nthabiseng Nzama face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder linked to three separate shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024.

One of the alleged plots involves an attempt on the life of Matlala’s former girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

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