Madlanga Commission: Riah Phiyega Refutes Claims Of Meeting ‘Cat’ Matlala, Seeks To Clear Her Name

Former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has rejected allegations that she met with alleged tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala on the day of his arrest earlier this year.

The claims emerged during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where “Witness C”, a detective involved in Matlala’s arrest, alleged that the businessman had been at Phiyega’s Midrand home just before being taken into custody.

Matlala, who faces charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder relating to an alleged hit on his former partner, Tebogo Thobajane, reportedly told investigators he had been visiting Phiyega on 13 May 2025.

Phiyega Denies Any Connection to Matlala

In a firm response, Phiyega distanced herself from the allegations, insisting she has never met Matlala. “He said he was there at the former commissioner, Miss Riah Phiyega’s premises,” the detective testified — a statement Phiyega has now publicly disputed.

According to Phiyega, Matlala was never at her property on the date in question, and any claim suggesting otherwise is “completely untrue”.

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Phiyega, who was appointed National Police Commissioner by former President Jacob Zuma in 2012 and suspended in 2015, was officially removed from her position in 2017 following findings of misconduct, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice.

She has since approached the Madlanga Commission seeking a formal opportunity to challenge “Witness C’s” testimony and clear her name from any association with the accused businessman.

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