JOHANNESBURG - Senior SAPS official Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, the former girlfriend of alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala, has been dismissed from the police.
Matjeng, one of 12 senior police officers charged in connection with Matlala's controversial R228-million SAPS tender, was dismissed following an internal disciplinary hearing. Her dismissal took effect on 30 June 2026.
According to a police statement, Matjeng faced multiple counts of serious misconduct arising from her relationship with Matlala.
She was found guilty of accepting gratification, money laundering, improperly advising Matlala against the interests of the SAPS and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice after allegedly providing him with a list containing details of SAPS members with the intention of deriving financial benefit, as well as dishonesty.
Welcoming Matjeng's dismissal, acting police national commissioner Puleng Dimpane said the outcome sends a clear message that corruption, criminality and any form of collusion with criminals have no place in the SAPS.
In February, Matjeng told the Madlanga Commission that her romantic relationship with Matlala began in 2017. She said he showered her with gifts and frequently deposited money into her bank account.
Matlala, who has pleaded guilty to all seven charges against him in the SAPS tender corruption case, told the court that he made secret payments totalling up to R300,000 to Matjeng through another of his companies, Luxo Africa Brand Investments.
The funds were paid to Osizweni Meat Hyper, a retailer in Tembisa, before being transferred to the personal account of the store’s owner. Cash withdrawals were then allegedly made and handed to Matjeng.