Blue lights, tenders and alleged political protection: Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala faces the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heightened security ahead of the highly anticipated testimony of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is expected to appear in person at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Matlala, who is currently behind bars on charges of attempted murder, as well as in a separate fraud and corruption case, has become one of the central figures in the Commission's investigation into allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within South Africa's criminal justice system.
His name has featured prominently throughout the inquiry, with multiple witnesses implicating him in allegations ranging from political protection and links to organised crime to the use of blue lights on private vehicles and the awarding of government tenders.
Claims of political protection and interference
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was the first witness to place Matlala at the centre of the Commission's investigation.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Matlala enjoyed protection from influential individuals within government and the criminal justice system.
According to his testimony, Matlala's influence extended beyond business interests and into policing, with alleged attempts to influence investigations and operational decisions.
He further alleged that individuals linked to Matlala sought to frustrate investigations involving organised crime and politically connected suspects. Those claims formed part of the evidence that led to the Commission's establishment.
Alleged organised crime network and political connections
Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo presented evidence alleging that Matlala was one of the leaders of a Gauteng-based organised crime syndicate known as the "Big Five" cartel.
According to Khumalo, the syndicate allegedly operated across drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, tender fraud and contract killings.
The Commission also heard that Crime Intelligence extracted WhatsApp messages and cellphone records allegedly linking Matlala to senior political and police figures.
Khumalo alleged that the messages showed communication between Matlala and ANC-linked businessman Brown Mogotsi regarding political funding and assistance.
He further alleged that payments flowed from Matlala to Mogotsi, who allegedly used his political connections to assist him.
The Commission also heard allegations that confidential SAPS information and operational details were shared with Matlala through individuals linked to law enforcement, while discussions allegedly took place about influencing investigations and protecting his interests.
Mogotsi has denied any wrongdoing.
Blue lights, police powers and government tenders
Another major focus of the Commission has been allegations surrounding Matlala's private security operations and government contracts.
Former acting Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) chief Julius Mkhwanazi testified about memoranda of understanding between the municipality and Matlala's private security company.
The Commission also heard allegations that Matlala's private vehicles were fitted with blue lights and that his security personnel operated alongside municipal police.
Former EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies testified that the agreements effectively outsourced policing powers to a private company and should never have been approved.
During Mkhwanazi's testimony, evidence leaders also presented evidence alleging that a police clearance certificate submitted on Matlala's behalf was fraudulent.
Mkhwanazi later accepted that the certificate was not genuine after SAPS investigators outlined their findings.
The Commission has also heard evidence relating to the SAPS health services tender involving Medicare24.
Through the testimony of Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk and documentary evidence presented by evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, commissioners examined WhatsApp communications, video evidence and documentation relating to the tender process and Matlala's police clearance certificate.
Van Wyk's testimony was interrupted after he was hospitalised, but documentary evidence remained before the Commission.
Matlala to answer on range of allegations
Wednesday’s appearance marks the first time Matlala will respond directly before the Commission to the allegations made against him by multiple witnesses over the past several months.
He is expected to be questioned about allegations of organised crime, political protection, relationships with senior police officials, the use of blue lights on private vehicles, government tenders, and alleged interference in criminal investigations.
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