In the heart of South Africa, a storm is brewing, one that threatens to engulf political careers and expose alleged deep-seated corruption. At the center of this tempest stands Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, a businessman whose name has become synonymous with controversy and intrigue. Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), finds himself caught in the periphery, vehemently denying any association with Matlala, as rumors swirl and accusations fly.
The saga began to unfold when Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, made startling allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of interfering in police operations and shielding criminal networks. Mkhwanazi presented what he claimed were WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records, all pointing to a concerted effort to dismantle a KZN task team. This task team, established in 2018, was specifically focused on investigating politically motivated killings and related crimes in KwaZulu-Natal. The implications were staggering: a potential cover-up reaching the highest levels of law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi didn't stop there. He linked Matlala to Brown Mogotsi, described as a "comrade" of Minister Mchunu, and revealed that Matlala's company had received a R360 million SAPS health services contract, which has since been canceled. According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment of the task team was a deliberate move to protect a criminal syndicate embedded within law enforcement and politics. These allegations prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Mchunu on special leave and establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the matter. Gwede Mantashe was appointed as acting police minister.
Adding another layer to this complex narrative is the accusation that General Mkhwanazi is plotting a coup against President Ramaphosa. Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed that the government is aware of a potential risk of a coup, which is why they are monitoring the situation closely. These claims emerged amidst sporadic protests in support of Mkhwanazi, raising questions about the motives behind these demonstrations and the extent of support for the celebrated police commissioner.
Adding to the intrigue, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has criticized Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing him of making false allegations and undermining the judiciary and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). O'Sullivan also questioned Mkhwanazi's decision to wear the uniform of the SAPS Special Task Force during the press briefing, suggesting that it was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and challenge the government.
Julius Malema's name entered the fray when social media speculation suggested a connection between him and Matlala. Some users pointed out that Malema's wife, Mantwa Matlala, shares the same surname as the businessman, implying a possible family relationship or shared interests. Others alleged that Mantwa was receiving VIP protection services from Cat Matlala's company, CAT VIP Protection. Images circulating online purportedly showed a woman believed to be Mantwa being protected by CAT VIP Protection agents. These allegations led to suggestions that Malema's silence on the matter was due to this connection.
Malema, however, has vehemently denied any such links. Speaking to journalists, he dismissed the rumors as "petty gossip" and insisted that he has nothing to do with Matlala. "He must go — rot in jail. I don't know him. I don't even care about him," Malema declared. He emphasized that there are more pressing national issues to address and that he has no involvement in the unfolding scandal.
Mantwa Matlala, an accountant by profession, has been married to Julius Malema since 2014. Despite the shared surname – which is common in South Africa – there is no confirmed relation between Mantwa and Vusimuzi Matlala.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Matlala is facing additional charges related to a 2023 shooting incident involving South African socialite and former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane. The celebrity was shot in the foot on the N1 near Sandton, while a female passenger suffered a serious spinal injury. Matlala and his co-accused appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court, where the State announced plans to consolidate two other cases into the current matter. The charges against Matlala include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. His wife, Tsakani Matlala, is also implicated and faces charges as well.
Matlala's legal troubles don't end there. He was recently caught with a cellphone while in prison, a violation of correctional services rules. This discovery raises concerns about how he is managing to maintain contact with the outside world despite being incarcerated.
The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has stated his willingness to cooperate with the commission of inquiry established to probe the alleged political interference with police investigations. Lesufi emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served. He said that the province is ready to cooperate and provide valuable information to the commission.
As the Judicial Commission of Inquiry begins its work, it will have to untangle a web of allegations, accusations, and denials. The commission will investigate the role of senior officials who may have aided or abetted the alleged infiltration of law enforcement agencies. The three metro police departments in Gauteng are also under scrutiny, given Matlala's alleged links to some of their members.
The events of the past few weeks have raised serious questions about the integrity of South Africa's law enforcement agencies and the potential for political interference in criminal investigations.
What are your thoughts about Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan's claims that General Mkhwanazi may be plotting a coup? Do you think General Mkhwanazi would do that?
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