Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Madlanga Commission Appearance Postponed

Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will no longer testify before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday after his scheduled appearance was postponed.

The commission confirmed that Matlala’s legal representative will attend the proceedings instead, while a new date for his testimony has not yet been announced.

Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s Madlanga Commission Testimony Delayed

The Vusimuzi Matlala hearing has been postponed due to heightened public and media interest surrounding his expected evidence before the commission.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed the decision.

“Due to the heightened media and public interest in the testimony of Mr Vusimuzi Matlala, his evidence has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.

“Mr Matlala will therefore not appear in person before the Commission on Tuesday, but his legal representative will instead be physically present.”

Matlala built his business interests in the private security sector before expanding into healthcare services. In 2018, his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, partnered with Mike van Wyk to introduce the Medicare24 franchise into township communities.

Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Remains At Centre Of SAPS Tender Investigation

The Vusimuzi Matlala matter has attracted national attention since his company secured a South African Police Service (SAPS) healthcare services contract valued at approximately R228 million in June 2024.

The tender, initially reported to be worth up to R360 million, came under intense scrutiny after questions were raised about the company’s operational capacity, infrastructure and staffing. Before the agreement was terminated, Matlala’s company had reportedly received around R50 million.

The contract is now part of ongoing fraud and corruption investigations.

Matlala remains in state custody and faces 25 criminal charges, including allegations of fraud, corruption linked to public procurement and an unrelated attempted murder charge.

He has also reportedly entered plea discussions with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), offering to cooperate with investigators in exchange for a reduced sentence. Those proceedings remain before the courts.

Madlanga Commission Hears Serious Allegations Against Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

The Vusimuzi Matlala inquiry has heard extensive testimony linking him to alleged organised crime and corruption within senior structures of the SAPS. These allegations have not been tested in court, and the commission has not reached any findings.

According to evidence presented before the commission, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo identified Matlala as an alleged leader of the so-called “Big Five” organised crime syndicate, which has been linked to claims of cocaine trafficking, kidnapping, cross-border vehicle hijackings and tender-related extortion.

Witnesses have also alleged that Matlala developed relationships with senior police officials through financial incentives and gifts.

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Among those named during the proceedings are Major General Richard Shibiri, who admitted receiving an R80,000 personal loan from Matlala, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who acknowledged receiving expensive gifts, including doses of the prescription weight-loss medication Ozempic, and Major General Lesetja Senona and Shadrack Sibiya, who have been accused of leaking classified police information and accepting financial benefits. These allegations remain subject to the commission’s findings.

The commission has also heard evidence relating to alleged WhatsApp conversations involving political fixer Brown Mogotsi, while the names of former Police Ministers Bheki Cele and Senzo Mchunu have surfaced during testimony as part of broader inquiries into Matlala’s alleged network of influence. Neither has been found guilty of any wrongdoing arising from the commission’s proceedings.

Among the most serious allegations presented are claims that Matlala orchestrated the killing of Transnet whistleblower Armand Swart by allegedly hiring a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer. Witnesses further alleged that senior SAPS officials interfered with the murder investigation. These allegations remain unproven and have not been adjudicated by any court.

Separately, the commission has heard allegations that Matlala’s security company, Cat VIP Protection, entered into an irregular memorandum of understanding with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), allowing private vehicles to be fitted with unlawful blue emergency lights reserved for law enforcement.