Matlala Admits Lending Jerry Boshoga R5 Million For Drug Machine, Madlanga Commission Told

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been told that controversial businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala admitted to lending the kidnapped businessman Jerry Boshoga R5 million to purchase a machine used for drug processing.

The revelation came from Witness C, who testified before the Commission on Friday, 24 October 2025. The witness stated that Matlala told investigating officers he had known Boshoga since 2012 and that the two had been involved in criminal dealings together.

According to the testimony, Matlala said he was being unfairly linked to several kidnappings in Gauteng because of his past and his connections. He also claimed that he had once assisted a Pakistani national to reunite with his family following a kidnapping.

Police Visit to Matlala’s Centurion Mansion

At the time of the police investigation into the disappearances of Jerry Boshoga and Nqobile Dikgale, officers visited Matlala’s Centurion mansion on 6 December 2024, hoping to find clues.

“I requested the cellphone from Mr Matlala and asked him if he consented to us searching the phone, to which he consented and provided us with his PIN code,” Witness C told the Commission.

Before questioning began, Vusimuzi reportedly told officers that he was aware they were looking for Nqobile Dikgale and her child and claimed he had been trying to help the family locate them “because they know his capabilities.”

Witness C said Matlala confirmed his criminal past, admitting to prior arrests for robbery, housebreaking, and cash-in-transit heists, but insisted that he had left those activities behind and was now a businessman.

R5 Million Loan and High-Level Police Connections

During the exchange, Vusimuzi allegedly denied knowing Boshoga’s whereabouts but said he had been in contact with Boshoga’s family, who also sought his help. He revealed that Boshoga owed several people money and that he himself had lent him R5 million to acquire a drug-processing machine.

“Matlala further informed us that Mr Boshoga once told him he had fallen out with his drug business associates and feared they might want to harm him,” Witness C testified.

Matlala maintained his innocence regarding the kidnappings of both Boshoga and the Dikgale family, saying he was not involved. Witness C told the Commission that certain names Vusimuzi provided could not yet be revealed due to ongoing investigations.

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He added that the interaction with Matlala was “peaceful and recorded,” but noted that Matlala also boasted about his close ties within SAPS, naming Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, General Feroz Khan, and General Shiburi, among others, and even claimed a family link to General Senola.

“I am of the opinion that he told us this information to maybe startle us, showing his connections with high-ranking officials within SAPS,” Witness C said.

The Madlanga Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims of political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system.

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