Masemola Confirms Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Linked To 80 Corruption Cases

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has confirmed that alleged cartel member and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is implicated in roughly 80 corruption cases, some of which date as far back as 2007.

Masemola made the revelation on Friday while testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing widespread corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It (Matlala’s cases) goes far back as 2007,” Masemola stated, acknowledging that the police have faced serious challenges in addressing the matter.

Although he did not share detailed information, Masemola assured the committee that investigations into the long-standing cases are ongoing. “I do agree but we have discovered it ourselves and we doing something about it,” he said.

Links to Tembisa Hospital Scandal and Attempted Murder Case

Matlala, who has been previously linked to fraudulent dealings at Tembisa Hospital, was arrested earlier this year on unrelated charges. In April 2025, he was taken into custody for allegedly masterminding the 2023 attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

He remains behind bars after being denied bail, as the case has expanded to expose a wider network of police corruption.

Fraud, Forged IDs, and Digital Evidence Destruction Allegations

Authorities allege that Matlala was deeply involved in a web of criminal activity, ranging from high-level corruption and fraud to violent crimes.

According to the state, he paid hired hitmen to carry out the failed assassination attempt, with evidence of substantial bank transfers made to his co-accused shortly after the incident.

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Investigators further claim that Matlala used fraudulent documents, including a forged Eswatini identity card, to hide his movements and avoid detection.

The state also accused him of attempting to delete key digital evidence from his mobile devices after they were returned to him by police — an act allegedly intended to obstruct the investigation and conceal his broader criminal network.

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