Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, facing criminal charges and labelled a "tenderpreneur," has vehemently denied allegations of involvement in a drug cartel. However, he testified that his close friend, Jerry Boshoga, who was kidnapped in November 2024, was indeed involved in drug dealing.
Matlala made these claims while appearing before an ad hoc committee investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system. The committee is probing the alleged infiltration of the police force by individuals like KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, with Matlala's name repeatedly surfacing in connection with these accusations.
The focus shifted to the disappearance of Jerry Boshoga, who was abducted a year ago, and whose family has pointed fingers at Matlala, suggesting his involvement in the kidnapping.
Matlala recounted a phone call he received from Boshoga's brother following the kidnapping. According to Matlala, the brother relayed a conversation he had with Jerry before the abduction. Boshoga allegedly told his brother that he was going to collect a 20-litre drum and "some stuff" used in the manufacturing of narcotics.
Matlala continued, stating that Boshoga's brother described the events leading up to the kidnapping. The brother said they drove to a complex in Centurion, where Jerry exited the vehicle and entered a Mercedes-Benz.
"…and then he said to that guy, ‘this is my brother,’ and he waved at him, and he said, ‘listen, wait for us here. We will come back’. They left, and they never came back," Matlala quoted Boshoga's brother as saying.
Matlala stated that he did not know the precise address of the kidnapping location but confirmed it was within a complex. He also mentioned visiting Boshoga's home after the incident, where Boshoga's wife informed him that her husband had left to meet someone who owed him money.
The kidnappers have since been sending disturbing videos to Boshoga's family, showing him being assaulted and demanding a R10 million ransom for his release. The videos reportedly depict Boshoga with visible bruises and his hands bound.
During the committee hearing, ActionSA MP Dereleen James questioned Matlala about his association with individuals allegedly involved in drug dealing. Specifically, James asked if Matlala was comfortable having drug dealers within his circle of friends. Matlala responded that he would not judge his friend.
Advocate Norman Arendse, the evidence leader, pressed further, asking Matlala if he was comfortable with his friend manufacturing drugs. Matlala conceded that he was not comfortable with it but maintained that Boshoga remained his friend.
Adding another layer to the complex relationship, Matlala revealed that Boshoga owed him approximately R100,000. He explained that he had initially lent Boshoga R1 million to support his cattle business.
The allegations surrounding Matlala and Boshoga have become intertwined with the broader investigation into corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system. Matlala's testimony before the ad hoc committee has added fuel to the fire, raising further questions about his connections and the nature of his relationships. The committee's investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are anticipated as they delve deeper into the intricate web of allegations.
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