PRETORIA - A police brigadier has told the Madlanga Commission she's been in an on-and-off romantic relationship with alleged cartel kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
Rachel Matjeng alleges that a superior knew she was working with a tender linked to her alleged lover.
According to Matjeng, the relationship began in 2017.
Matjeng, who described Matlala as a ‘romantic’ said while they were in a relationship, in her knowledge, Matlala was never arrested or convicted of any criminal offences.
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“I have never experienced any evil side, which is being portrayed currently. I know him as humble, respectful and a romantic person. He has never asked me for any favours which might jeopardise my career,” Matjeng said during his testimony.
She said during their relationship, Matlala showered her with gifts and often deposited money into her bank account.
Questioned by Commissioner Sandile Khumalo whether she had checked Matlala’s criminal record, Matjeng said she had requested two people to check for her.
“One gave me feedback to say he has a previous conviction, which was a long time ago. The second person never gave me any feedback,” she testified.
Matjeng, however, conceded that when the allegations against Matlala surfaced and up to the date of his arrest, she did become aware of his alleged crimes.