Here’s a refined and comprehensive biography of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the South African tenderpreneur currently at the center of major legal and political controversy:
Who Is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
- Full Name: Vusimuzi Matlala
- Nickname: “Cat”
- Age: ~49 (born c. 1976)
- Role: High-profile businessman, known for winning large government tenders and linked to private security ventures (CAT VIP Protection)
Rise to Wealth & Political Influence
- Secured multimillion-rand contracts, most notably:
- R360 million SAPS health services tender via Medicare24 Tshwane District
- Prior involvement in Tembisa Hospital tenders flagged for irregularities, tied to Babita Deokaran probe
- Known for flaunting luxury lifestyle: multiple mansions, designer goods, and high-end vehicles like a Rolls‑Royce
Criminal Charges & Prison
- Arrested May 2025 by Crime Intelligence in Midrand for:
- Attempted murder and conspiracy relating to the 2023 shooting of actress Tebogo Thobejane
- Also faces money laundering, fraud, and illegal firearm charges
- High-profile court appearances:
- Abandoned bail plea in June, now remanded at Kgosi Mampuru Maximum Security’s C‑Max unit
- Trial postponed to August 26 for disclosure of evidence
- Evidence includes damning WhatsApp messages instructing hitmen: “shoot her in the face…”
- During a prison search, a cellphone was found in his cell, raising concerns of continued in-prison influence
Allegations of Syndicates & Political Interference
- KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accuses Matlala of heading a “sophisticated criminal syndicate” wielding political protection, compromising over 120 police dockets, and financing politicians via gala dinners
- Alleged links to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Brown Mogotsi; Mkhwanazi claims Matlala funded Mchunu and manipulated investigations
- Mchunu denies wrongdoing and distance from Matlala; the ANC’s African Transformation Movement (ATM) has asked the Public Protector to investigate
Quick Facts Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Tenderpreneur, private security owner |
| Major Contract | R360 million SAPS health services |
| Crime Charges | Attempted murder, conspiracy, money laundering, fraud |
| Court Status | Held in C‑Max prison, bail denied, trial adjourned to Aug 26 |
| Political Ties | Accused of funding and influencing top politicians |
Why He Matters
Matlala’s case sits at the intersection of crime, corruption, and political intrigue in South Africa. It highlights systemic issues in procurement, alleged misuse of police influence, and potential erosion of public trust in governance.