Pretoria – The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has ruled that corruption-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre as his R360 million SAPS tender case continues.
Matlala, who faces multiple charges linked to the allegedly irregular 2024 police health services contract, appeared in court again on 20 April 2026. The matter was postponed to 13 May to allow further consultations between him and his legal team.
The court agreed with the State that he should remain at Kgosi Mampuru to facilitate these preparations.
“The court granted the state its request to have Matlala detained at Kgosi Mampuru until consultations are completed,” The Citizen quoted Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame as saying.
The high-profile case involving alleged crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has been postponed to 13 May. The State has asked the magistrate to order that Matlala stay at Kgosi Mampuru Prison. @Sli_Masikane reports. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/iYzxei9YWQ
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 20, 2026
His lawyers argued that being held in Pretoria would allow easier access ahead of trial, although they are preparing a High Court application seeking his transfer back to the Ebongweni supermax facility in KwaZulu-Natal, EWN reported.
The State alleges that Matlala and his co-accused — 15 individuals including senior police officers — used front companies, falsified documents and bribery to secure the lucrative contract through his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Prosecutors say top police officials were paid to influence the awarding of the tender.
The case, which forms part of broader investigations into alleged criminal networks within the South African Police Service, has also featured in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary probe.
Trial date
Evidence presented to Parliament showed the R360 million contract was flagged early in 2024 and later confirmed as irregular, with R466 million disclosed as irregular expenditure.
While the defence plans to challenge aspects of the State’s case and has requested more time to prepare, prosecutors are pushing for a trial date to avoid delays.
The matter is expected to be complex, involving extensive financial records and multiple witnesses, and further applications regarding Matlala’s detention conditions are anticipated as the case progresses.
Picture: X/@CrimeWatch_RSA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
