Pretoria – Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, whose name has been linked to criminal syndicates and controversy within South Africa’s police service, appeared today before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. The hearing forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged systemic corruption and criminal networks infiltrating law enforcement.
Matlala, held in custody since his arrest in April, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a R2-billion fraud linked to Tembisa Hospital. Nicknamed the ‘John Wick of Mamelodi’ and alleged leader of the notorious “Big Five” cartel, his testimony is considered one of the most anticipated in the committee’s inquiry.
The Ad Hoc Committee was established in October after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla 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 claimed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team on December 31, 2024, allegedly to shield Matlala and other politically connected criminals.
Matlala’s legal team had sought a last-minute postponement citing his deteriorating health and limited time to prepare due to ongoing detention. Lead attorney Matlhatsi Abram Madira described reviewing all defence documentation as “virtually impossible,” adding that consulting with Matlala in prison had become “an absolute nightmare.” Despite this, Ad Hoc Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed the hearing would proceed with special arrangements to accommodate Matlala’s confinement status.
Matlala took his oath and began answering questions from Evidence Leader Norman Arendse. Committee members debated the absence of a signed affidavit; only a draft statement had been provided, which Arendse accepted as sufficient. Media were given ten minutes to photograph Matlala as he took his seat, supported by his wife Tsakane.
He recounted growing up in Mamelodi East, raised by a single mother, and trading informally after matric. He was later convicted for dealing in illegal goods before formally registering a security business in 2017, offering services to schools, businesses, and construction sites. Matlala confirmed he has nine children with Tsakane and supports them all.
During questioning, Matlala declined to answer inquiries regarding a R360 million SAPS health services contract awarded to his company. He addressed a 2024 lease agreement for hospital premises at the South African Police Services College, saying he intended to provide care for students injured during training, not to secure a tender.
On his alleged criminal associations, Matlala confirmed providing protection services to the late taxi boss King Mswazi, whose real name is Jotham Zanemvula Msibi, believed to be part of the “Big Five” syndicate. However, he denied any relationship with KT Molefe, another alleged cartel member who attended Msibi’s funeral.
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