"Cat" Matlala Moved to Supermax Prison Amidst Corruption Allegations
Johannesburg – Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, a figure embroiled in allegations of police capture and implicated in a massive hospital looting scheme, has been transferred to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Correctional Services confirmed the move, stating it occurred on 21 December and forms part of their standard operational practices.
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo addressed the transfer, stating: “The transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice, informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.”
Nxumalo further emphasised the department's commitment to maintaining secure facilities. “The safety and security of detainees, officials, and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence. It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services,” he added.
Matlala's name first gained notoriety after he was placed at the centre of allegations concerning the potential capture of the police force by KwaZulu-Natal's top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. However, his alleged involvement extends further into the murky world of state procurement and alleged corruption.
A News24 investigation, titled "9 Lives," has extensively detailed Matlala's business dealings, highlighting how he allegedly targeted state procurement for personal gain. The investigation revealed that Matlala's companies allegedly benefited from millions of rands in tainted contracts from Tembisa Hospital. These contracts were initially flagged by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who uncovered a staggering R2.3-billion extraction scheme.
Deokaran brought Matlala's alleged involvement in the Tembisa Hospital looting to light in the weeks leading up to her assassination, adding a tragic dimension to the unfolding saga.
Further revelations from the News24 investigation exposed how Matlala, allegedly utilising a shelf company operated from a Boksburg strip mall, secured a R360-million police health services tender. This occurred while he was already under investigation for procurement fraud related to the Tembisa Hospital scandal, raising serious questions about oversight and due diligence within state procurement processes.
Beyond the corruption allegations, Matlala faces separate criminal charges. Earlier this year, he was arrested for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. This arrest adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Matlala, painting a picture of a man with alleged ties to both high-level corruption and violent crime.
The transfer of Matlala to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre, known for its stringent security measures, underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating his case. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Matlala and the intricate web of allegations surrounding him. The public awaits further developments with keen interest, hoping for clarity and accountability in this high-profile case.
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