PRETORIA - Revelations that a senior SAPS official was involved in a romantic relationship with alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala have set social media abuzz.
In her testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, the SAPS Section Head for Quality Management, detailed her relationship with Matlala, dating back to 2017.
The senior police officer told the Commission she had never experienced any “evil side” of Matlala.
She described him as a “humble, respectful, and romantic person” and said that until recently, she had not been aware of Matlala’s alleged involvement in criminal activities.
READ | Brigadier details on and off relationship with ‘romantic’ Matlala
Matjeng revealed that Matlala would often shower her with gifts and money. When probed by the commissioners, she denied helping Matlala secure the controversial R360-million SAPS tender contract.
However, South Africans flocked to X to share their views, and opinions were divided on whether she was truly in a relationship with Matlala.
Thabo Moagi wrote:
“Brigadier Rachel Matjeng is lying on oath. Many public servants are just taking us for a ride. Vusi Cat Matlala sent her money because of that tender. Action SA MP Dereleen James was on to something.”
Another user, Zinto Mhlanga, agreed with Moagi, posting:
“They date service providers and want us to believe that they had NO influence in the awarding of tenders.”
Modise Motlhamme said Matjeng’s testimony had loopholes and should be investigated further:
“There is money laundering involved here, her case is building up, she’s digging her grave slowly.”
Tlotliso Mphuthi wrote:
“It seems Cat Matlala was using Brigadier Rachel Matjeng within the SAPS, yet the poor lady thought it was a romantic relationship.”
ALSO READ | Bester, Matlala moved to Kokstad due to security concerns
After Matjeng sounded unsure about the status of her relationship with Matlala when questioned by co-commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, one user commented:
“Girl is confused whether to protect Cat or deny him.”
Founder and chairperson of Public Interest SA, Tebogo Khaas, also weighed in:
“Greed has levels. A SAPS Brigadier (Salary Level 13) in South Africa earns an all-inclusive flexible remuneration package of approximately R1.18 million to over R1.23 million per annum, according to 2024 reports. Evidently, this was insufficient to deter Brig. Rachel Matjeng from dating and soliciting cash and gifts from a dangerous former convict who is now incarcerated in a maximum-security facility while facing charges of attempted murder of an ex-girlfriend.”
Siza Zungu said she was disappointed after listening to Matjeng’s testimony:
“For some reason I have faith in women being the pillars of society when it comes to issues that require morals and ethics. But women like Brigadier Matjeng just let me down.”