- A witness told the Madlanga Commission that Cat Matlala’s CAT VIP security firm operated like a metro police unit with Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi’s approval.
- A retired deputy police chief said the pair used fake documents, blue lights and cover-ups to protect corrupt officers and hide serious crimes.
Security businessman Cat Matlala and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi have been accused at the Madlanga Commission of running a private policing network that blurred the line between business and law enforcement.
On Monday, retired deputy police chief Revo Spies testified that Matlala’s company, CAT VIP, was treated like an extension of the metro police under Mkhwanazi’s command.
He said the arrangement gave the private firm police-like powers – including using blue lights, escorting politicians and helping at crime scenes.
Spies told the commission that official documents authorising the partnership had been tampered with. Some pages had been replaced or added later, using different fonts and even copied signatures. “Those pages were not part of the original file,” he said.
He said CAT VIP staff and metro police officers allegedly worked together to clean up scenes after violent crimes, including torture and murder, to protect those involved. “They were working hand in hand to hide evidence and cover for each other,” Spies told the inquiry.
Spies said the arrangement created confusion and fear in Ekurhuleni because criminals are now copying the same tactics. “People can’t tell who’s a real cop anymore,” he said.
Earlier in the hearings, suspended metro police chief Isaac Mapiyeye testified that he was pushed out after trying to challenge corruption within Mkhwanazi’s command. He said he raised red flags about the illegal use of blue lights and unauthorised police operations but was sidelined instead.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating claims of corruption, abuse of power and cover-ups within the police.
Pictured above: Revo Spies.
Image source: @joy_zelda
