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By Everson Luhanga
- Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the Madlanga Commission about her relationship with businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who is now in prison.
- Matjeng said Matlala sent her money and gifts while his company Medicare24 held a R360-million medical contract with the police.
A senior police officer has admitted she received money from a businessman while his company held a multi-million rand contract with the police.
Brigadier Rachel Matjeng testified at the Madlanga Commission that she had a romantic relationship with Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who is now in prison. She said the relationship was well known in her personal circle and went on and off over time.
Matjeng told the commission Matlala sent her money and bought her gifts during their relationship. She said payments continued even after his bank accounts were confiscated.
She said some of the money was sent to her friend’s bank account. Matjeng said this was done to hide the relationship from Matlala’s wife, who thought they were only friends.
The commission was shown WhatsApp messages between the two. Matjeng said they used professional language with no romantic terms to keep the relationship hidden.
The inquiry is examining a R360-million medical services contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, by the police.
Matjeng said after the contract was awarded, she told her superior she knew Matlala. She said she asked to step away from related duties.
She told the commission she was not involved in awarding tenders and had no decision-making power. Matjeng also said she was unaware of any police conflict of interest policy.
She said she was promoted to her current position in October 2023.
The commission is examining whether Matlala benefited from personal access to senior police officials while doing business with the police. Several officers, including the head of forensic services, have been referred to law enforcement for investigation.
Pictured above: Brigadier Rachel Matjeng testifying before the Madlanga Commission.
Image source: Supplied
