By Anita Dangazele
- Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, after his plea deal with the state collapsed on Monday.
- Witnesses have linked Matlala to senior police officials, a Gauteng crime syndicate, and political figures including Brown Mogotsi.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to take the stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, days after walking away from his plea deal with the state.
Matlala pleaded guilty on 25 June to fraud, corruption and money laundering, linked to a SAPS healthcare tender awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, reported at values of R228 million and R360 million in different accounts. Under his plea deal, he agreed to testify against senior police officials in exchange for a lighter sentence.
On Monday, after a magistrate rejected the agreed eight-year sentence and proposed 12 years instead, Matlala withdrew from the deal entirely. It was declared null and void, and he now rejoins 17 co-accused, including suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, in a trial that resumes in September.
That collapse matters for Wednesday. Matlala had reportedly agreed to testify at the commission only on condition he would not be cross-examined about Medicare24, since that matter was tied to his plea deal. With the deal gone, that shield may no longer hold.
Since the commission began hearing evidence in September last year, Matlala’s name has come up repeatedly. Witnesses have described an alleged Gauteng crime syndicate known as the “Big Five,” with Matlala named as one of its central figures, allegedly involved in drugs, vehicle hijacking, kidnappings, tender fraud and extortion.
Suspended Major-General Richard Shibiri admitted accepting an R80,000 loan from Matlala. Major-General Lesetja Senona has been accused of leaking classified police information to him. SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who previously had a personal relationship with Matlala, is among those now facing charges linked to the tender.
The commission has also heard evidence of messages between Matlala and Brown Mogotsi, described as a political fixer, allegedly pressuring Matlala to fund political party memberships.
Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and former minister Bheki Cele have also been named in testimony.
Separately, Matlala faces a trial on charges including attempted murder later this month at the Gauteng High Court.
None of the allegations against him have resulted in a conviction, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Pictured above: Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Image source: File
