1 day ago
16
Tenderpreneur ‘Cat’ Matlala Claims Paying Millions to Top Police Official, Commission Hears
Explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission has peeled back yet another layer of alleged corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement ranks, as businessman and alleged crime boss Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala reportedly confessed to paying millions of rands to some of the country’s most senior police officials.
The revelation comes months after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s bombshell claim that organised criminal networks had infiltrated South Africa’s justice system — a statement that prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission to investigate political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
On Thursday, the commission heard a damning recording of Matlala’s conversation with police investigators following his arrest on 14 May 2025. The businessman, who stands accused of attempting to murder his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, detailed a web of alleged payoffs involving high-ranking officers, including deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
According to excerpts of a five- to six-hour recording played before the commission, Matlala told investigators that Sibiya had approached him after the death of notorious taxi boss Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi, saying: “Because the old man is dead, I am only left with you. Can you take care of me, and I will take care of you?”
When police pressed him on what “take care” meant, Matlala replied plainly: “He was talking about money.”
Matlala claimed he had first met Sibiya through Msibi, who was allegedly at the centre of the so-called “Big 5” syndicate – a network of influential businessmen and underworld figures. Msibi died in January 2024, an event that appears to have strengthened the alleged financial relationship between Matlala and Sibiya.
Millions in Cash Payments
Witness C, a police investigator attached to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), testified that Matlala had described Sibiya as “a criminal himself.” The witness, who is now in hiding due to threats linked to the investigation, said Matlala repeatedly accused Sibiya of being motivated by greed.
In another portion of the recording, Matlala recounted handing over R200,000 to Sibiya inside his national office. “There is a bathroom in his office. He said I should leave it there,” Matlala said.
Witness C also revealed that Matlala claimed to have paid Sibiya up to R1 million in cash every time he received payment from his R360 million police health services tender — a lucrative contract now under scrutiny for alleged corruption.
Matlala further alleged that he had contributed R300,000 towards Sibiya’s son’s wedding, and R2 million in cash for a plot in Midrand that Sibiya purportedly intended to turn into a bed and breakfast.
He also claimed that some of these payments were delivered via an organised crime officer named Sergeant FE Nkosi, to whom he had allegedly given his bank card details.
Ties to Political Figures
The recordings suggested Matlala’s business dealings extended beyond the police service. He expressed frustration that, despite paying R500,000 through businessman Brown Mogotsi to support suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s alleged ANC presidential campaign, Mchunu had not “protected” him when his multimillion-rand contract came under investigation.
In his recorded statement, Matlala said of Mchunu: “He is biting me while smiling with me.”
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola testified that the controversial health services contract — awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, in June 2024 — was cancelled after investigators uncovered corruption, fraud, and non-delivery. The cancellation took place on 13 May 2025, just one day before Matlala’s arrest.
Matlala, however, insisted in his interview that the cancellation was politically motivated. He alleged that Mchunu had turned on him after he refused to lay criminal charges against the team investigating him.
“Remember, after I did not agree to get you guys arrested, the minister also got angry and gave the instruction that they must cancel my contract,” he told police.
He threatened to expose Mchunu by filing an affidavit in the High Court. “I was telling Brown Mogotsi that I am going to write an affidavit… I am going to put the minister there and then incriminate him,” Matlala said in the recording.
A Web of Influence
The Madlanga Commission heard that Matlala also claimed to have funded Mchunu’s political activities, including sponsoring delegates to the ANC’s January 8th celebrations by paying for their travel and accommodation.
Despite these alleged payments and connections, Matlala’s recorded comments suggested he believed his allies had abandoned him. “I know I am not safe,” he said towards the end of the recording.
Matlala’s arrest came just hours after his R360 million police health services tender was scrapped. He was reportedly detained after his speeding vehicle hit a pothole and burst a tyre while he was returning from a visit to former national police commissioner Riah Phiyega’s home.
The businessman has been linked to a R3 billion Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into questionable Tembisa Hospital contracts flagged by slain whistle-blower Babita Deokaran and remains under investigation by the Hawks for fraud and corruption.
The Madlanga Commission continues its inquiry on Monday, with further testimony expected to expose the extent of criminal infiltration within the country’s justice system — and the powerful figures allegedly involved.
English (US)