Controversial businessman Vusimusi “CAT” Matlala has been found with a cellphone inside his cell at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services in Pretoria. 

The Correctional Services Department says this happened at the weekend.

It has led to Matlala being moved to the C-Max section of the prison and is considered a high-risk inmate.

Matlala is facing attempted murder charges; and is now linked to alleged corruption involving the Police Ministry. 

Matlala’s name has hogged headlines following the explosive revelations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about Matlala’s alleged links to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Mchunu has now vehemently denied ever meeting with Matlala, as stated by Mkhwanazi.

In a statement, Mchunu says: “The Minister did however, initiate a review of the SAPS tender awarded to him when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced. It was the same tender which has since been terminated.”

He was awarded a R360 million South African Police Services health services tender which was later cancelled. 

Matlala now faces attempted murder charges together with his wife for the alleged attack on actress and socialite, Tebogo Thobejane.

Meanwhile, the South African Policing Union says politicians are meddling in police operational matters.