Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala Caught with a phone inside the Kgosi Mampuru prison during a raid. Image: Jabulile Mbatha/EWN
(The Post News)- Alleged crime Kingpin, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala was caught with a phone inside the Kgosi Mampuru prison. He is accused of running a web of corruption, violence and tenders, allegedly implicating some remarkable political figures.
According to Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the cellphone was discovered from Matlala’s cell during a raid, saying that the discovery led to the department taking actions, and he was then transferred to the facility’s C-Max section.
On Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made claims alleging that there was a close relationship between Matlala and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and that Matlala received financial support from the minister while he was under investigation for multiple criminal scandals.
Reports also points Matlala’s company won a R360-million South African Police Services (SAPS) tender during Bheki Cele tenure as the minister. Mkhwanazi’s claims have triggered national security concern as President Cyril Ramaphosa called for restraint.
Cele confirmed to have stayed in one of Matlala’s luxury Pretoria penthouse, though he denied any business dealings with him. Matlala is also accused of arranging to have his influencer girlfriend,Tebogo Thobejane,killed.
National correctional service commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale told the media that they are struggling with the problem of overcrowding, adding that the raid was part of a broader campaign to rid correctional centres of contraband and eliminate criminal networks from within.
Meanwhile, Mchunu has denied any involvement with Matlala’s R360 SAPS medical services tender that was cancelled earlier this year. Mchunu said he has never met Matlala despites the alleged WhatsApp conversation between them.
Mchunu’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said the minister has never met Matlala, has never spoken to him; nor has he ever requested or received anything from him.
“The minister did, however, initiate a review of the SAPS tender awarded to him when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced. It was the same tender that has since been terminated,” Mokgotsi said in a statement.
Moreover Mchunu admitted knowing controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi after denying in Parliament that he was familiar with him. Mokgotsi’s name was mentioned by Mkhwanazi as one of the alleged people involved in criminal activities involving police.
His spokesperson, Mogotsi said Mchunu knows the businessman as a comrade but not as an associate.
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