Delve into the intricate web of alleged corruption and power with the story of Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. This isn't just a tale of alleged wrongdoing; it's an exposé of a figure who has allegedly navigated South Africa's system with cunning and audacity, amassing wealth while facing serious criminal accusations. We uncover his playbook, his tactics, and the individuals who have allegedly aided him.
Just six months before securing a R360 million tender from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Matlala leased a clinic space on police property at the Pretoria West Training Academy. This 750-square-meter building, renovated at a cost of R46 million by the Department of Public Works, was leased to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, for five years, starting in January 2024. Despite signing the lease on 30 November 2023, the company never occupied the premises, raising questions about the true purpose of the agreement.
The SAPS tender focused on providing health services to approximately 180,000 police officers and support staff. Matlala's bid triumphed over established companies, despite his company being less than five years old, operating from a strip mall in Boksburg, and his involvement in a R2.3 billion corruption probe at Tembisa Hospital. Investigations by the Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks were already underway, yet the bid evaluation and adjudication committees allegedly overlooked these issues.
An internal audit exposed irregularities in the tender process. Specifications did not meet standards, the bid wasn't advertised for the required 21 days, and submissions weren't securely stored. The audit highlighted inadequate due diligence, missing scorecards, and signs of misrepresentation and fronting in Matlala's submission.
Matlala presented himself as the president of the Medicare24 Group, creating a false image of his experience and capabilities. In reality, he was merely a franchisee. The Department of Public Works has promised to investigate the lease, with initial checks revealing potential weaknesses in internal controls.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola canceled the contract on 12 May, after Matlala had already received R18 million. In the 103 days before cancellation, a total of R50 million had been paid out. Reasons for cancellation included under-performance, irregularities in bid documents, hiring unauthorized personnel, false claims, misrepresentation, and fronting.
Investigations revealed connections between Matlala and key figures within the police force. Brigadier Petunia Lenono, who served on both the bid specification and evaluation committees, resigned shortly after the tender award and joined Matlala as a consultant. Payments appeared intended for Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Captain Brian Cartwright, who helped shape the tender specifications and sat on the evaluation committee. Bank records show these funds went through proxy companies to hide their true recipients.
Matlala also allegedly provided lavish hotel penthouse stays for former Police Minister Bheki CELE, during whose term the tender was awarded.
The tender scandal is now under criminal investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
Matlala's criminal history includes a conviction for house burglary in 2001, and numerous arrests for theft, robbery, and possession of illegal firearms, though most cases were withdrawn. In 2016, he was arrested with Kagiso Ledwaba, a convicted murderer linked to crime boss Radovan Krejcir.
Recently, Matlala was arrested for three counts of attempted murder and conspiracy related to botched hits on Tebogo Thobejane, Joe Sibanyoni, and DJ Vettys (Seunkie Mokubung).
Testimony positions Matlala as an underworld leader who has influenced high-ranking officials, including now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. He is also linked to the Big Five drug cartel through associates.
Matlala's involvement in the Tembisa Hospital scandal ties back to the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who uncovered fraud involving companies linked to Matlala.
As of 10 November 2025, Matlala remains in custody, expected to apply for bail soon.
What do you think should happen next to people like Cat Matlala who exploit government systems and endanger honest officials? Which penalty or sentence do you think Cat Matlala deserves, if found guilty? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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