In our previous explainer, we unpacked the ‘Big Five’, a powerful criminal cartel allegedly responsible for infiltrating parts of South Africa’s justice system. The network, now being investigated by the Madlanga Commission, reportedly stretches across drugs, contract killings, tender fraud, extortion, and kidnappings.
Now, we’re zooming in on one of the cartel’s most notorious alleged leaders: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a name whispered across police files and political circles alike.
Who is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
Matlala, nicknamed “Cat” for his alleged ability to slip out of danger, is a businessman-turned-underworld figure who has been linked to multiple high-level criminal operations over the past two decades.
On paper, Matlala is a successful businessman and what some call a “tenderpreneur” (someone who thrives on government contracts).
He owns companies like Medicare 24 Tshwane District, which landed a whopping R360 million deal with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for health services, despite his links to the Tembisa hospital fraud.
Based in Gauteng, Matlala lives large. Think luxury homes, flashy cars, and connections that extend beyond the border. Matlala holds an Eswatini ID, hinting at cross-border ties.
Not much is out there on his early life, but he’s built his empire in sectors like health, construction, and procurement, often rubbing shoulders with politicians.
What are Matlala’s previous controversies?
Even before the Madlanga spotlight, Matlala had a reputation for controversy.
He has been probed for corruption in state tenders, accused of inflating contracts and siphoning public funds.
His business dealings, particularly in securing lucrative government contracts, have long drawn scrutiny for suspected corruption. Investigations into his companies, such as Medicare 24 Tshwane District, revealed irregularities, including a R360 million SAPS health services contract flagged for improper awarding processes, later terminated amid fraud concerns.
Reports suggest Matlala inflated contract costs and siphoned off public funds into his own pocket, with probes by the Special Investigating Unit targeting his role in the Tembisa Hospital scandal, where millions were allegedly misappropriated.
In early 2025, he was arrested for attempted murder in a case involving socialite Tebogo Thobejane, apparently over a grudge. Allegations suggest that Matlala orchestrated a violent attack in retaliation for a fallout, though details remain murky.
Plus, investigations into his companies flagged irregular deals, like registering private vehicles as Ekurhuleni Metro Police cars to gain perks such as free toll access and fuel allowances.
What has the Commission heard so far?
- 6 July – Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s Press Briefing: This is what started it all. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi held a media conference, accusing syndicates like the one Matlala’s tied to of infiltrating police, leaking info, and getting protection from high-ups.
- 17-19 September – Mkhwanazi’s Testimony: Over three days, Mkhwanazi named Matlala as an underworld boss, showing evidence of him paying off officials. He highlighted Matlala’s links to Ekurhuleni Metro Police chief Julius Mkhwanazi (no relation), who allegedly helped register Matlala’s private vehicles as municipal ones using public funds.
- 22-23 September – Gen Fannie Masemola’s Testimony: The National Police Commissioner backed up the interference claims, suggesting top brass were compromised by figures like Matlala.
- 29 September – Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo’s Testimony: Crime Intelligence head Khumalo dropped the ‘Big Five’ label, naming Matlala as a key player. He presented WhatsApp messages showing Matlala paying enabler Brown Mogotsi for ANC events, leaking SAPS secrets, and manipulating processes to block probes into him. Khumalo also tied Matlala to abusing the Ekurhuleni Metro Police for personal gain.
- 14 October – Witness X’s Testimony: An anonymous witness revealed Matlala’s “close and beneficial” ties to KZN Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona, including sharing confidential info like President Ramaphosa’s travel plans and discussing payouts to officials like crime expert Calvin Rafadi.
- 20-21 October – Witness A’s Testimony: A protected detective from Gauteng’s organised crime unit linked Matlala to the ‘Big Five’ in the Armand Swart murder case, describing how cartel-connected cops tried to derail the investigation through threats, bribes, and evidence tampering. This testimony, partially in camera, showed how Swart’s killing unravelled the syndicate.
What emerged from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee?
Running alongside the Madlanga Commission, Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, is digging into Mkhwanazi’s bombshell claims about political meddling in the SAPS, kicking off on 7 October.
This 11-member crew from different parties is laser-focused on whether the Constitution’s rules for police independence got trampled, especially around the PKTT’s shutdown and Matlala’s sketchy R360m SAPS tender.
They grilled suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who swore he’d never met Matlala, only hearing his name in a December 2024 News24 piece, and said he personally pushed to cancel that dodgy tender after audits screamed foul play. He even pulled out an affidavit from Matlala (written from C-Max prison) denying any connection. But EFF’s Julius Malema wasn’t buying it, calling Matlala a “dangerous man” and questioning why Mchunu’s cozying up to a shady figure he claims he doesn’t know.
The committee’s got till 28 November to wrap up, with ex-minister Bheki Cele up next to testify from 23 October.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala isn’t just another flashy businessman with a few skeletons in the closet. If the Commission’s testimony holds, he represents how organised crime and state capture have blurred into one, with corrupt cops and political enablers shielding criminal empires from accountability.
This story is one piece of a much larger puzzle. The Madlanga Commission still has weeks of hearings ahead, which many hope will lead to the exposure of the other three kingpins who make up the ‘Big Five’.
This story forms part of our ongoing series explaining the Madlanga Commission and the police crisis currently under the spotlight. Check out our latest here.
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
