LIVE | Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala testifies before Parliament in corruption inquiry
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a name recently synonymous with controversy and crime syndicate infiltration within South Africa’s police service, is testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee sitting at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
The hearing marks a landmark moment in the Ad Hoc Committee’s investigation into allegations of systemic corruption and criminal networks penetrating law enforcement.
Matlala, nicknamed the ‘John Wick of Mamelodi’ and allegedly the leader of the notorious cartel known as “The Big Five,” has been held in custody since his arrest in April.
Facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a R2-billion fraud scandal linked to Tembisa Hospital, Matlala’s testimony is considered one of the most anticipated so far in this sweeping investigation.
The committee was established in October following explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused senior police officials and politicians of deliberately undermining police operations to protect drug cartels and criminal networks connected to politically motivated killings.
On July 6, Mkhwanazi alleged that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on December 31, 2024, allegedly to shield Matlala and other criminals with political connections.
This hearing will notably include Matlala’s own account amid these serious allegations, including claims that he captured and controlled the police service’s procurement services.
Ahead of the session, Matlala’s legal team sought a last-minute postponement, citing his deteriorating health and lack of sufficient time to prepare due to his ongoing detention.
His lead attorney, Matlhatsi Abram Madira, described reviewing the extensive documentation necessary for the defence as “virtually impossible,” adding, “Consulting with Mr Matlala has become an absolute nightmare in prison.”
Despite these hurdles, Ad Hoc Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed the hearing will proceed as planned.
“We have made special arrangements at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre to accommodate Mr Matlala’s confinement status and ensure he can testify,” Lekganyane said.
Matlala’s testimony is expected to provide pivotal insight into the financial and operational structures underlying the alleged crime syndicate’s infiltration of the police service.
As this investigation reaches a critical juncture, the nation watches closely, awaiting answers that could expose the depths of corruption within one of South Africa’s key institutions.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics