Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a South African businessman whose rise through the private security and healthcare sectors has made him one of the most controversial figures in the country’s ongoing police and procurement saga.

Born in 1976, Matlala grew up in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, and attended Lethlabile High School. He has described growing up with a single mother and later entering business through small trading ventures before moving into private security.

His business interests eventually expanded into security and healthcare. Matlala became associated with companies including Cat VIP Protection Services and Medicare 24 Tshwane District, through which he secured government contracts.

His profile grew significantly after Medicare 24 was awarded a major SAPS health-services contract. The tender, initially reported at around R228 million, became the subject of intense scrutiny over procurement processes and alleged political and criminal connections. Matlala has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about matters before the courts.

Matlala's personal history has also come under scrutiny. He acknowledged a 2001 housebreaking conviction during parliamentary proceedings, saying he later turned his attention to business and private security.

His name became nationally prominent after allegations emerged linking him to influential businessmen and senior police figures. These allegations eventually became part of the evidence being examined by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within South Africa's criminal justice system.

The Madlanga Commission

In 2026, Matlala became a major witness before the commission. His testimony has focused on his business dealings, relationships with police officials and other businessmen, and allegations surrounding government tenders.

In August 2026, he continued giving evidence and was subjected to cross-examination. He has told the commission about relationships with businessmen including Steve Motsumi and Hangwani Maumela, while also being questioned about his meeting with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The commission has also heard evidence about a R5 million loan Matlala received from Motsumi in connection with renovations for a hospital lease project at the SAPS Pretoria West College. Matlala said the loan was subsequently repaid.

His testimony has frequently been interrupted by legal arguments, with Matlala invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination on questions he says could prejudice his criminal cases.

Criminal cases

Matlala has faced serious criminal allegations, including attempted murder, fraud, corruption and money laundering. It is important to distinguish these allegations from proven facts: the criminal matters and the allegations being investigated remain subject to legal processes.

His legal troubles have unfolded alongside the broader investigation into alleged corruption and criminal infiltration of the police and government procurement systems.

Quick facts

• Full name: Vusimuzi Matlala
• Nickname: “Cat”
• Born: 1976
• From: Mamelodi East, Pretoria
• Occupation: Businessman
• Business sectors: Security and healthcare
• Known companies: Cat VIP Protection Services, Medicare 24 Tshwane District
• Currently known for: His evidence before the Madlanga Commission
• Legal status: Facing criminal allegations and legal proceedings
• Major controversy: Government/SAPS contracts and alleged links to influential figures

From a Mamelodi businessman to a central figure in one of South Africa's biggest police scandals, Cat Matlala's story has become closely intertwined with the country's wider investigation into corruption, tenders and alleged criminal networks.