Cape Town – National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has revealed that around 80 cases linked to alleged cartel leader and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala date back to 2007, acknowledging ongoing investigations and internal challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Masemola made the disclosure while testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on police corruption, noting that authorities had “discovered it ourselves” and were taking corrective action.
National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola says the 80 cases linked to alleged cartel member Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala date back to 2007. He maintains that the probe is ongoing. #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/kqxZwQEVGl
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 10, 2025
Matlala, a key suspect in the “Big Five” criminal cartel, is currently in custody after being denied bail for allegedly ordering the 2023 attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
The state accuses him of fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, and contract killings, and of using fake identity documents to evade law enforcement.
EFF’s Leigh-Ann Mathys asked National Commissioner Fannie Masemola about Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, “Since 2007, he’s linked to 80 other cases. Doesn’t this show SAPS has failed?”.
Masemola, “I do agree, Honorable Chair”. pic.twitter.com/1V93EWnMf8
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 10, 2025
He is further implicated in the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal, exposed by slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran, and allegedly used his company, Medicare24, to secure a R360 million SAPS contract later cancelled amid fraud allegations.
Investigators claim Matlala also sponsored ANC events and bribed police officials — including through businessman Brown Mogotsi, linked to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu — to protect his criminal network from prosecution.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
