Parliament’s ad hoc committee criticised for calling Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala to testify. Image credit: EWN.
(The Post News) – South Africa’s Parliament is set to summon remand detainee Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to appear in person before an ad hoc committee investigating alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to reports on Monday, 03 November 2025 Matlala, a controversial businessman whose empire once included the lucrative Medicare 24 Tshwane District, claimed that he fears for his life as he named suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, suspended deputy national police commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Sibiya and their associates.
The committee’s decision to summon Vusimuzi Matlala has sparked confusion and criticism. “This is a first for Parliament. Never before has a remand detainee been brought before MPs to testify in such a high-profile corruption inquiry. It speaks volumes about the seriousness of the allegations.”
Matlala’s company, Medicare 24, was awarded a R360 million SAPS health services contract in 2024, later cancelled by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola following allegations of irregularities. The businessman’s dealings were also flagged by slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who had raised concerns about questionable tenders linked to Tembisa Hospital.
Currently arrested at Kgosi Mampuru Prison, Matlala faces charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The charges relate to the 2023 shooting of his former girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. Courts have repeatedly denied him bail, citing him as a “flight risk and a danger to society.”
Despite his incarceration, Parliament insists his testimony is crucial. “Matlala holds key information about the web of corruption within SAPS. We believe his evidence can shed light on the depth of criminal infiltration in our police structures,” said committee chairperson Nomvula Mthethwa.
Evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has linked Matlala to an alleged criminal network known as the “Big Five,” reportedly involved in tender fraud, drug trafficking, and contract killings. Investigators have also traced WhatsApp messages suggesting Matlala may have financed political activities in exchange for protection of his contracts.
“This case exposes how deep corruption runs in our security agencies. The fact that Parliament is willing to bring in a detainee shows that no stone will be left unturned,” said political analyst Prof. Mandisa Khoza.
As the committee prepares for Matlala’s testimony, Parliament faces legal and logistical challenges, including securing his transfer from prison under heavy guard. “If we want accountability in SAPS, we must be brave enough to confront the uncomfortable truths, even if they come from a prison cell.”
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