Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has invoked his right not to give self-incriminating evidence at the Madlanga Commission.
Matlala appeared before the inquiry on Monday over the controversial R228 million SAPS tender awarded to his company, Medicare24. He has been implicated by several witnesses in allegations involving senior police officials.
“The SAPS and Medicare contract is a matter in which I have been criminally charged and currently attending court, and as such I am unable to comment on the question posed … the basis is that I do not wish to incriminate myself,” Matlala said.
Cat Matlala Invokes Self-Incrimination Rights
Matlala said he remains an accused person alongside his companies and that evidence relating to the matter still has to be presented in court.
“I remain an accused in that matter together with my companies, and as such, evidence is still to be led in an open court with respect to this matter,” he said. He also said he was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“I am entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and also not to answer self-incriminating questions, especially on such a complex matter that the state has already preferred charges against me,” Matlala said.
The Medicare24 contract has featured prominently in the commission’s investigation into alleged criminal infiltration within law enforcement.
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Matlala has been accused of making payments and providing gifts to police deputy commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and former organised crime investigations head Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri. He has also been linked to SAPS officer Sgt Fannie Nkosi.
Matlala also declined to answer questions concerning his co-accused, including Brig Rachel Matjeng. The state alleges that he paid Matjeng about R300,000 in bribes.
Cat Matlala Denies Links To Senzo Mchunu And Feroz Khan
Matlala denied having a relationship with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. “It suffices to say, I do not know minister Mchunu,” he said.
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Allegations have also been made that Matlala spent money on politician Brown Mogotsi in an attempt to influence Mchunu and protect the Medicare24 contract, which SAPS cancelled in May 2025. Matlala similarly denied any relationship with crime intelligence boss Maj-Gen Feroz Khan.
“I do not have any relationship with Maj-Gen Khan. I have never met him and have had no interactions with him,” said Matlala.
