Vusimuzi Matlala
by Thabo Mosia
South African political analyst Moses Kau has raised strong concerns over the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee’s plan to travel to Kgosi Mampuru C-Max prison in Pretoria to interview Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a key figure in ongoing investigations into police corruption and criminal links. Kau argues that such a visit sets a bad precedent, harms the country’s image, and overlooks modern technology or safer options like flying Matlala to Cape Town. His views come as the committee probes explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police boss Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about political interference, graft, and ties to figures like Matlala. With Matlala behind bars on serious charges, including attempted murder and money laundering, this debate highlights tensions between security needs and effective oversight in South Africa’s fight against crime syndicates.
Kau’s Strong Stance Against Prison Visit
In a detailed opinion shared publicly, Moses Kau described the proposed trip to Kgosi Mampuru as “ill-advised” and “not good” for the committee or the nation. “My view on the possibility of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee travelling to Pretoria, to the Kgosi Mampuru C-Max prison to interview and hear testimony from Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. This is ill-advised, and is not good. Not good for the Ad Hoc Committee. Not good for the country and our image as a Nation. Who else are you going to go to prison to meet with? It will be a big mistake and an error of judgement. An optics of this also, are not good at all,” Kau stated.
He pointed out that while parliamentary groups like portfolio committees and the Judicial Inspectorate do visit prisons for oversight on inmate conditions and facility inspections, this case is different. “Yes, it is true that Parliamentary Portfolio Committees, Judicial Inspectorate, et al, do now and then visit prisons. However, that is in terms of the law as you would know, to inter alia, conduct oversight on the treatment and conditions of inmates, and for inspection of correctional centres. This visit by the Ad Hoc Committee to Mr Cat Matlala, is not the same,” he explained.
Kau questioned why Matlala’s situation stands out from other witnesses unable to appear in person. “Why would his testimony be different from all other witnesses whose circumstances precluded them from being physically before the Ad Hoc Committee (or even before the Madlanga Commission),” he asked. He pushed for virtual options in a tech-savvy era. “What happened to the technology in a country of the 4th Industrial Revolution? The man can be connected virtually. What we need is what comes from his mouth than him physically.”
As an alternative, Kau suggested transporting Matlala to Cape Town. “If you really want to meet the man in a physical setting, then rather fly him to Cape Town. For security consideration, he cant be flown on a scheduled passenger flight. He can be flown on that SAPS jet that fetched the other two suspects from Swaziland who are charged with the murder of AK,” he proposed, referring to the Ndimande brothers extradited in the Kiernan “AKA” Forbes murder case.
He added practical details: “Yes, I have heard that the main consideration for your visit to Kgosi Mampuru, is his security, but the man is being transported from the prison to Court to attend his hearings (at least the bail hearings). So it can be done. Fly the man to Cape Town, and if the logistics of taking him to Parliament are too risky or cumbersome, which I think they are not, then keep the man at the military base airport in Cape Town [I think it is called the Ysterplaat], arrange for a suitable accommodation there at that airport to interview him. If the interview runs over to the next day, the man can be accommodated at the Polsmoor prison, and flown back to Pretoria the next day.”
Kau warned against setting a risky example, noting military bases like Ysterplaat are secure National Key Points. “Military bases are (also) National Key Points and shouldn’t have issues with security [If I am not bringing back the memories of the landing of the Gupta wedding guests at the Waterkloof Airport in Pretoria]. Let us not create an unnecessary precedence,” he said. He also highlighted cost savings: “Nota Bene: Also, in a country that is short of financial resources, imagine how much you are going to save from the return air tickets, subsistence and travel (S&T), and accommodation of the MPs in Pretoria.”
Background on Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and His Legal Troubles
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman from KwaZulu-Natal, sits at the centre of multiple high-profile probes. Arrested in July 2025, he faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. These stem from allegations of ties to drug syndicates, construction mafia activities, and interference in police operations. Matlala allegedly held a R360 million contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for supplying items like bulletproof vests and uniforms, raising questions about procurement corruption.
His name surfaced prominently in the murder investigation of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane in February 2023 outside a Durban restaurant. While not directly charged in that killing, Matlala is linked through associates and financial dealings. For instance, he reportedly funded ANC activities and had connections to figures like former police minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Brown Mogotsi. Matlala is said to have more than 20 protectors from former SAPS Special Task Force members, adding layers to his security concerns.
Currently held at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre’s C-Max section, a maximum-security facility for high-risk inmates, Matlala has appeared in courts like Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for case centralisation. His bail hearings involve strict security, with transports under heavy guard. Despite this, he remains a crucial witness, implicated in claims of bribing officials and influencing police units.
The Role of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Portfolio Committee on Police was formed to investigate allegations raised by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a July 2025 briefing. Mkhwanazi accused high-level interference in policing, including disbanding the Provincial KwaZulu-Natal Task Team (PKTT) to shield criminal interests. He linked this to raids on Matlala’s properties and broader corruption in the criminal justice system.
The committee, chaired by Tebogo Letsie, has heard from witnesses like National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi and seeks Matlala’s input as a key figure. On 10 November 2025, they announced plans to visit Kgosi Mampuru for his testimony, citing security as the main reason. This follows Parliament’s invitation for public submissions on Mkhwanazi’s claims, with the probe extended for more time to gather evidence.
The committee’s work runs parallel to the Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry into similar issues of criminality, political meddling, and graft in the justice system. Chaired by Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, it began hearings in September 2025 after delays. The commission has allowed in-camera sessions for sensitive testimony and reviewed CCTV footage and other evidence. Matlala’s name has appeared in both probes, with his comments to investigators already noted.
Ties to Broader Investigations and Public Figures
Matlala’s case connects to wider scandals. EFF leader Julius Malema has demanded he and associate Katiso Molefe testify, calling Matlala a potential “cartel boss.” Molefe, facing murder charges, appeared alongside Matlala in court recently. Mkhwanazi claimed the PKTT’s dissolution protected Matlala’s interests, linking it to Mchunu, who denies the accusations.
Other figures like EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi (no relation) have updated on AKA probes, extraditing suspects like the Ndimande brothers using SAPS jets—echoing Kau’s suggestion. Brown Mogotsi, Mchunu’s aide, faces scrutiny for recording Mkhwanazi without consent, which Kau has called potentially illegal. Kau also warned that Mogotsi’s evidence might be unreliable due to his ties to Matlala.
These threads show a web of alleged corruption involving politicians, police, and businesspeople. The MK Party has pushed for document releases in related arrests, like Lieutenant General Peter Jacobs, highlighting systemic issues.