Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala
In a surprising twist amid South Africa’s ongoing police corruption probe, controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has strongly denied any connection to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Matlala, currently behind bars on attempted murder charges, laid out his claims in an affidavit sworn from prison, calling the allegations against him “wild, fanciful, and unfounded.” 
This comes as the Madlanga Commission digs deeper into claims of political interference and criminal ties within law enforcement.
Matlala’s statement adds fuel to a fire that has already scorched top officials. It directly counters accusations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who linked Mchunu to Matlala in explosive testimony. 
As South Africans grapple with high crime rates and eroding trust in police, this denial raises questions about who is telling the truth in a web of tenders, task teams, and alleged cover-ups.
Matlala’s Affidavit: A Firm Rejection of Links to Mchunu
From his cell, Matlala deposed the affidavit on 17 October 2025, making it clear he has “never met” Mchunu.  He dismissed any suggestion of a relationship as baseless, stating the claims are part of a broader plot to tarnish reputations. This document was submitted as part of Mchunu’s defence to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where the minister fights to clear his name.
In the affidavit, Matlala addressed specific allegations that Mchunu disbanded a key task team to shield his business interests. He called these “preposterous and outrageous,” insisting he has no ties to the minister or influence over police decisions. 
Matlala’s words echo Mchunu’s own sworn statement, where the minister denied corrupt links and said he first learned of a R360 million SAPS health tender tied to Matlala through media reports. 
The businessman also took action beyond the affidavit. Reports show he sent documents to the KZN Hawks head, including multiple ID numbers allegedly linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa.  This move, from prison, suggests Matlala is fighting back against what he sees as a smear campaign, potentially exposing wider irregularities.
Background on Matlala: From Businessman to Accused Kingpin
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala rose as a tenderpreneur but now faces a storm of legal troubles. He is accused of attempted murder in the shooting of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, in 2023.  The case has dragged on, with Matlala denied bail multiple times and his latest appeal postponed to November 2025. 
He also faces charges of fraud, illegal possession of firearms, and related counts. 
Matlala’s name surfaced prominently in the Tembisa Hospital scandal, where the Special Investigating Unit uncovered over R2 billion in looted funds through irregular tenders.  His companies were among those implicated in syndicates led by figures like Hangwani Maumela and Rudolph Mazibuko. The probe revealed fake deals, overpriced goods, and bribes, with Matlala’s group pocketing R13 million.  Assets worth millions, including luxury cars, have been seized as part of the recovery efforts.
His alleged crimes trace back to the early 2000s, involving tender fraud and political connections.  A multi-layered investigation by News24 titled “9 Lives” traced his links to deadly intersections of fraud and violence, including the attempted murder charge.  Matlala went into hiding after December 2024 raids but was later arrested.  Even in prison, he was caught with a cellphone, leading to more scrutiny. 
The Allegations Against Mchunu and the Madlanga Commission Context
The drama ties back to Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 claims that Mchunu interfered in investigations to protect allies like Matlala. 
Mkhwanazi accused the minister of disbanding the National Political Killings Task Team (NPKTT) on 31 December 2024, allegedly to shield Matlala’s R360 million health tender.  National Commissioner Fannie Masemola reportedly defended the tender at first but later backed its cancellation after audits showed irregularities. 
Mchunu’s affidavit, submitted to the Ad Hoc Committee, calls these a “plot” and defends the disbandment as lawful.  He cited complaints of NPKTT abuse, including from researcher Mary de Haas and whistleblower Patricia Mashale, who alleged corruption and cover-ups. 
The task team was seen as inefficient and obsolete, with functions better handled by permanent units.
The Madlanga Commission, probing criminality in policing, has heard these claims. Mkhwanazi testified as the first witness, accusing Mchunu and others of ties to syndicates.  Mchunu was suspended on 13 July 2025 amid the fallout.  He also downplayed links to Brown Mogotsi, another accused figure, calling him just a “comrade.” 
Public and Political Reactions
The affidavit has sparked mixed responses. Some see it as proof of a smear against Mchunu, while others question Matlala’s credibility given his charges.  On social media, users debate the “plot,” with one post fixing News24’s headline to call Matlala a “murder accused” instead of “tenderpreneur.” 
Political analysts say this could weaken Mkhwanazi’s case if Matlala’s denial holds.  The Ad Hoc Committee will hear Mchunu soon, potentially clarifying ties. 
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