Cape Town – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has told the Madlanga Commission that alleged tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was considered for a role in a peace officer programme, but was never intended to perform frontline policing duties.
According to IOL, Mkhwanazi testified on Wednesday that Matlala was to be registered under a municipal initiative designed to assist with traffic control and community support functions, rather than criminal investigations or law enforcement operations.
He explained that the programme was aimed at easing pressure on EMPD officers by deploying additional personnel to help manage traffic congestion, school safety operations and large public events.
“The objective was to assist us with traffic lights and to also assist during hours when children are going to school,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.
“Would you know whether or not Mr Cat Matlala did get his peace officer card” Madlanga Commission Evidence leader Adv Sello
“last time I was asked by Commissioner Baloyi, No sorry Commissioner Khumalo, mam Baloyi uyangisinda” Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi pic.twitter.com/QyQDq9MvmV
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) June 24, 2026
Mkhwanazi said Matlala was among individuals considered for the initiative due to ongoing staffing challenges within the municipality, particularly during weekends, funerals and other major gatherings.
“Those volunteers were going to help us and not charge us anything,” he said.
He stressed that the proposed role had no connection to criminal investigations or frontline policing, and was strictly focused on support duties.
However, evidence presented at the commission raised concerns about documentation linked to Matlala’s inclusion in the programme. According to The Citizen, evidence leader Mahlape Sello revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had discredited a certificate submitted in the process, confirming that it was not authentic.
The certificate, which indicated that Matlala had no prior criminal convictions, was reportedly sent to Mkhwanazi by Medicare24 Holdings CEO Mike Van Wyk as part of the application process for the peace corps-style initiative.
Mkhwanazi told the commission that vetting was required for all participants, particularly because of the nature of the work involving communities and schoolchildren.
“You can’t allow a criminal to work with school kids, communities, and to control traffic because they will take advantage of that,” he said.
He added that he did not personally verify the documentation submitted by applicants.
The commission continues its hearings into the matter.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
