Cape Town – Alleged cartel member Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that he may not disclose the full extent of his knowledge about his multimillion-rand healthcare tender with the police.
Matlala’s testimony is under way after his legal team raised concerns about the limited time available to consult him on more than 2 000 pages of evidence. He has been questioned about his alleged relationships with senior police officials and his business dealings.
“I’m unable to comment further on this matter in that I do not wish to give evidence that may lead to and be self-incriminating, and therefore I claim the privilege against self-incrimination,” Matlala told the commission.
According to Eyewitness News, Matlala also disclosed a previous conviction for housebreaking and theft, for which he served 18 months of an eight-year prison sentence. He told the commission that while he wanted to assist as far as possible, he could not comment on matters he considered sub judice.
Watch below (Courtesy of SABC News)
Matlala also denied allegations that his company, CAT VIP Security, was involved in fraudulent dealings with Ekurhuleni Municipal officials.
“None of my companies were ever awarded contracts by EMPD,” he said, adding that the only business concluded involved one of his companies, Cat VIP Protection, providing security services to former mayor Tania Campbell without financial gain.
Evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello also questioned Matlala about several police officials, including suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona and senior organised crime officer Robert Shibiri.
IOL reported that Matlala did not provide substantive answers about all the officials raised during his testimony.
However, he was unequivocal when questioned about his alleged relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“I do not have any relationship with Minister Senzo Mchunu. I have never met Mchunu and have had no interactions with him, nor have I been at any gatherings where he was present,” Matlala said.
He also denied seeking favours from Mchunu or communicating with the minister through intermediaries.
MADLANGA COMMISSION | Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala declines to answer questions about the impala delivery to Shadrack Sibiya, saying the recording relating to the matter is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/rzG6zo2kyo
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 17, 2026
The denial comes amid allegations involving businessman Brown Mogotsi, who has been accused of attempting to facilitate contact with Mchunu on Matlala’s behalf.
Matlala was also questioned about his alleged links to suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and other police officials.
When asked why some names had been left out of his supplementary statement, Matlala said the omissions were deliberate.
“There are some reasons I did that deliberately, because I have reasons why I did not include them,” he said.
Matlala’s testimony is expected to remain under scrutiny as the commission examines his alleged links to senior police officials and the circumstances surrounding his companies’ dealings with law enforcement.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@Abramjee
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
