Dive into the shocking details surrounding Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's dramatic transfer to Ebongweni Super-Maximum Correctional Centre in Kokstad, the world's biggest super-max prison, from which no one has ever escaped! This isn't just South Africa Latest News; it's a deep dive into corruption, power struggles, and the criminal justice system.
On December 21, 2025, under the cover of darkness, authorities moved Cat Matlala, a controversial figure known for his wealth and alleged criminal ties, to Ebongweni, a remote fortress in KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), led by National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, cited "standard operational procedure" for the transfer, but the move has raised eyebrows and sparked intense speculation.
Why was Matlala moved hundreds of kilometres away just weeks before his trial? Was it to place him under the watchful eye of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal's top cop, who has publicly declared war on a criminal syndicate allegedly led by Matlala? DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo defended the move, but the silence surrounding the specific reasons has only deepened the mystery.
Vusimuzi Matlala, a so-called "tenderpreneur," built an empire through security and medical companies, securing lucrative government contracts, including a R360 million tender with the South African Police Service (SAPS). But beneath the surface lies a darker past, with a criminal record dating back to 2000.
Matlala faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, stemming from a brazen shooting in October 2023, where his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, was ambushed. His trial is set to begin on January 29, 2026, but now looms under the shadow of his transfer to Ebongweni.
The turning point came in July 2025 when a contraband cellphone was discovered in Matlala's cell. The phone revealed that Matlala was watching a live press conference by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who declared war on a criminal nexus allegedly involving politicians, senior police officials, and Matlala himself. Mkhwanazi even alleged that then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had links to Matlala.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate these claims, hearing testimony from senior police officials, including Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, who corroborated aspects of Mkhwanazi's allegations. The friendship between Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale and General Mkhwanazi likely played a crucial role in Matlala's transfer.
Ebongweni C-Max, opened in 2002 by then Deputy President Jacob Zuma, is known for its high-tech security and its escape record: zero. It operates on a "behaviour modification programme" with harsh conditions, including solitary confinement in Phase 1, which has been criticised by human rights organisations.
The transfer has sparked debate, with some seeing it as necessary to neutralise a dangerous figure, while others question its legality and fairness. Legal experts and human rights activists argue that it could prejudice Matlala's right to a fair trial. Johannes Majoe, representing Exclusive Mediators, has criticised the transfer as a waste of resources.
This case highlights the challenges within South Africa's criminal justice system and the ongoing battle against organised crime. The Madlanga Commission's findings suggest a sophisticated criminal network has infiltrated the highest levels of government.
As Matlala adjusts to his new reality, the nation watches and waits. The story of Cat Matlala is far from over, and its implications will shape how South Africa deals with corruption and organised crime in the future.
What do you think about the decision to transfer Vusimuzi Matlala to Ebongweni? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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