Pretoria – SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a senior official in the Forensic Services Division, denied receiving R300,000 from alleged crime mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as a bribe linked to his R360 million SAPS contract, which was later cancelled amid corruption allegations.
Matjeng admitted to having a long-term romantic relationship with Matlala and said the payments were personal, unrelated to her official duties, and were deposited into a friend’s bank account at Matlala’s request to avoid exposing their relationship.
MADLANGA COMMISSION | SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng says she was romantically involved with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and the money she got from him had nothing to do with business transactions. pic.twitter.com/HKCvCRPwGc
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 5, 2026
She claimed she never participated in awarding the contract and only became aware that Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, had successfully bid after the fact.
Commissioners questioned the timing and purpose of R100,000 payments made in early 2024, suggesting they were likely gratification for Matjeng’s influence.
Matjeng maintained she did not personally benefit, claiming the money was for her friend. Commissioners expressed skepticism, stating it was improbable the funds wouldn’t reach her directly.
After the R350 million SAPS contract was awarded, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala began sending his purported girlfriend, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, much larger payments of R100 000 per transfer, compared with the smaller amounts of around R10 000 he had sent before the… pic.twitter.com/QXNkzsY3tm
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) February 5, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
