PRETORIA - Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday in proceedings that got off to an explosive start.
Matlala’s lawyer, Adv Annelene van den Heever, attempted to have his testimony postponed until after his criminal trial, arguing that giving evidence now could force him to incriminate himself.
His appearance comes days after he rejected a plea deal offered by the state. Van den Heever told the commission she was not involved in those negotiations.
Matlala’s testimony comes as investigators probe allegations of corruption, organised crime and political influence, with his evidence expected to play a significant role in the commission’s work.
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala then
Matlala earned his nickname while growing up in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria. In township slang, cash-in-transit vehicles are commonly referred to as “katse” -- the Setswana word for “cats”. At the time, he was linked to allegations of involvement in cash-in-transit heists.
READ: Security tightened as 'Cat' Matlala set to face Madlanga Commission
Between 2001 and 2018, Matlala had several brushes with the law, facing charges including theft, house robbery and cash-in-transit heists.
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala now
In 2024, Matlala, who had presented himself as a legitimate businessman, was awarded the controversial R228-million SAPS health services tender.
He has also been linked to the controversial R9 billion Tembisa Hospital accommodation tender and now faces charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering.
His name has surfaced repeatedly before the Madlanga Commission, where he has been implicated alongside several police officers, including suspended National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola.
It is alleged that Matlala secured the SAPS tender by fraudulently misrepresenting his criminal history.
LIVESTREAM | 'Cat' Matlala appears before Madlanga Commission
He was initially paid about R50-million before the SAPS cancelled the contract.
Matlala’s criminal cases
In addition to the corruption case, Matlala faces attempted murder charges in Johannesburg.
The state alleges he orchestrated several attempted hits, including those targeting his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, actor Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
He is charged alongside his wife, two alleged hitmen and the daughter of one of the alleged hitmen.
The trial is expected to begin on 20 July in the Johannesburg High Court.