PRETORIA - Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala says he has no relationship with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi or suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan.
Matlala is testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, where he is being questioned about his relationships with senior police officials.
The businessman has declined to answer questions about the controversial Tshwane Medicare24 tender, citing the matter as sub judice.
“While I am willing to assist the commission as best as possible, save to say that I am unable to comment on matters that are sub judice. I am in any event entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Matlala told the commission.
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Asked about his relationship with Mchunu, Matlala said he did not have a personal relationship with the suspended minister.
“I do not have a relationship with Minister Senzo Mchunu. I have never met the minister and have had no interactions with him, nor have I been at any gatherings where he was present. It’s sufficient to say that I do not know Minister Mchunu.”
The businessman, whose companies were awarded a R228-million SAPS tender, said he had communicated with Mchunu only once, through his lawyers, in connection with a letter submitted to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
Matlala also denied having a relationship with Mkhwanazi, although he confirmed that the two had met once in March 2025 to discuss the now-contentious SAPS tender.
Matlala said he initiated the meeting with Mkhwanazi and confirmed that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona was also present.
He did, however, confirm having had a relationship with former SAPS national commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
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“I am unable to recall how many times I have met him [Phahlane] and place on record that these meetings were, to the best of my knowledge and belief, at a time when he was no longer in the employ of SAPS,” Matlala said.
Despite their relationship, Matlala said he had never had any business dealings with Phahlane.
“Nor have I ever asked for any favours from him or offered him any gratifications.”
Matlala also denied having relationships with SAPS Supply Chain Divisional Commissioner Molefe Fani and Khan.
- The Commission continues