A fiery showdown erupted at Kgosi Mampuru prison as Democratic Alliance MP Glynnis Breytenbach unleashed a scathing attack on businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as Cat. Breytenbach didn't hold back, accusing Matlala of being a "crook, a thug, and a fraud" who exploits the poor for personal gain. This intense exchange occurred during an ad hoc committee session investigating corruption within the criminal justice system, where Vusimuzi Matlala was a key witness.
Breytenbach, leveraging her experience as a former prosecutor, painted a vivid picture of Matlala's alleged shady dealings and the harm they inflict on ordinary South Africans. She argued that figures like Matlala are robbing future generations of opportunities by diverting public resources.
Vusimuzi Matlala, already facing serious charges including attempted murder and money laundering related to allegations against his former partner, Tebogo Thobejane, found himself under intense scrutiny. Breytenbach meticulously detailed Matlala's history with the law, spanning two decades, questioning how he repeatedly evaded serious consequences.
The timeline includes incidents dating back to 2000, with theft from vehicles. His only conviction, for buying and selling stolen goods, resulted in a four-year sentence. Breytenbach pressed Matlala on numerous withdrawn cases, including a 2006 arrest related to a cash-in-transit heist and charges of car theft in 2011. She highlighted a pattern of withdrawn charges, including assault (2012), house robbery (2013), carjacking (2015), and allegations of possessing an unlicensed firearm, impersonating a police officer, and resisting arrest (2016). Even a 2018 attempted murder charge was dropped.
Matlala maintained his innocence, claiming the withdrawals proved his lack of guilt. He suggested he was unfairly targeted. Breytenbach questioned his connections to high-ranking officials within the South African Police Service. Matlala admitted to having contacts but downplayed their significance.
A central point of contention was Matlala's R360 million contract with the South African Police Service for healthcare services through his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Breytenbach questioned how Matlala secured such a lucrative tender, given his criminal record. Matlala denied bribery but acknowledged challenges with the police political killings task team. The discussion led to a R500,000 payment to former police minister Bheki CELE, which Matlala described as returning a favor to resolve harassment from law enforcement.
Breytenbach framed the transaction as corruption, accusing Matlala of using money to manipulate the system. Matlala shifted blame, suggesting CELE demanded the payment for assistance with confiscated firearms. Matlala also revealed owning multiple licensed firearms, despite his past conviction.
Matlala highlighted his security firm, Cat VIP Protection Services, as his primary income source. He addressed payments to political figures, including Oupa Brown Mogotsi for the African National Congress's January 8 celebrations, claiming it was a reluctant contribution.
Breytenbach used Matlala's expensive attire to further dismantle his image, arguing that true entrepreneurs build success through honest means. She accused him of exploiting the system and robbing South African children of a better future.
Breytenbach concluded by stating that Matlala represents a larger problem of individuals masquerading as business leaders while preying on the vulnerable.
What do you think? Does Vusimuzi Matlala's story expose flaws in how powerful connections shield people from justice, or is he just an unlucky businessman? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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