Security Regulator Suspends Staff Over "Cat" Matlala's Company Registration
Johannesburg – The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) has placed eight staff members on precautionary suspension following the discovery of serious irregularities in the registration processes of Cat Protection and Security, a company owned by tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Bonang Kleinbooi, spokesperson for Psira, stated that a preliminary investigation had revealed improper conduct, procedural lapses, and systemic weaknesses in internal control mechanisms. These included failures in document verification, oversight, and ethical compliance.
In light of these findings, Psira has initiated several operational measures. These include a legal review of the registrations of Cat Protection and Security and its director, Matlala. Additionally, Psira has appointed an independent forensic firm to conduct a full investigation into the registration of the implicated company and individuals.
The suspension of the staff and the initiation of these investigations come amidst a backdrop of serious allegations against Matlala. He is currently in custody for the alleged attempted murder of former Muvhango actress and girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, who reportedly fled the country fearing for her life after the attack. At the time of the incident, Thobejane was travelling with a friend when their car was sprayed with bullets.
Further complicating matters, police have linked an AK-47 and two pistols allegedly found in the possession of Michael Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela in April 2024 to at least 18 crime scenes. These include the murder of musician and nightclub owner Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and his two bodyguards.
Moreover, during the Madlanga commission of inquiry, which is probing allegations of criminality and political interference in the criminal justice system, it was revealed that Matlala is allegedly a member of a drug cartel known as the “Big Five”.
Psira is taking a multi-pronged approach to address the identified irregularities and strengthen its regulatory framework. In addition to the forensic investigation, a central verification unit will be established to oversee all training records, qualifications, and criminal background checks before any approval is granted.
Furthermore, a special investigation and inquiry team will be commissioned, comprising profiling, vetting, auditing, forensic, legal, and governance specialists. This team will focus on registered individuals with pending criminal cases, with the aim of reviewing their registrations in terms of the Psira Act. There will also be an immediate legal review of all approved registrations of individuals with criminal records.
Psira is also planning to develop an integrated registration management system that will link Psira, the police, and the departments of justice, home affairs, and correctional services for real-time verification of applicants’ information.
Kleinbooi emphasised the importance of strengthening the organisation's ethical framework. “[There will also be] strengthening of the whistle-blower and anti-fraud framework, encouraging internal and external reporting of corruption, fraud and irregularities and review of the code of conduct for staff members, aligning disciplinary consequences to acts of omission, negligence or collusion in breach of the Psira Act.”
Psira CEO Manabela Chauke affirmed the authority's commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restoration of public trust.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia has voiced his support for the suspension of the Psira officials, stating that such conduct undermined the authority’s statutory mandate to ensure that only fit and proper individuals are permitted to operate within the private security industry.
He said: “The private security industry plays a vital role in public safety and national security. Any lapse in integrity within its regulation endangers the trust of the people and the credibility of the state. The steps we are taking will ensure Psira operates with integrity, transparency and professionalism.”
The actions taken by Psira and the support expressed by the acting police minister underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the allegations surrounding Matlala and the need to ensure the integrity of the private security industry in South Africa. The investigations are ongoing, and further developments are expected.
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