Pretoria — Businessman and alleged crime-boss, Vusimuzi known as “Cat” Matlala returns back to appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week.
As lawmakers begin questioning him inside Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, over explosive allegations of corruption, bribery and criminal syndicate ties.
Matlala, currently in detention and denied bail in a recent attempted murder case, told the committee that he finds himself trapped between two rival power centres within the police: suspended Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and former minister, Bheki Cele.
According to his testimony, he made large cash payments to both — hoping to protect his interests and maintain influence in a shifting political landscape.
The hearings are expected to dive into the workings of the so-called “Big Five” cartel, a network alleged to have infiltrated the SAPS and secured state tenders — notably a R360 million police medical-services contract linked to Matlala’s company.
Testimony from investigators and whistle-blowers has already painted a picture of sweeping corruption, payments to top cops, and systemic manipulation.
Parliamentarians say the outcome of this week’s hearings could shake up not just law-enforcement leadership — but also expose deep-rooted issues of contract fraud and political meddling that many believed were safely hidden behind official channels.
As Matlala prepares to defend, withdraw or explain, all South Africans are watching — waiting to see whether the hearings end with bombshell revelations, or yet another round of unanswered questions.
Sub-Editor: Thibela Thandeka
