Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, the businessman at the centre of the controversial R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender, is reportedly engaged in plea negotiations with the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (Idac).
According to reports, the discussions could see Matlala cooperate with investigators by providing information about other individuals allegedly involved in the tender scandal linked to his company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District.
The development comes just days after Matlala appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court alongside suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola and several police officers accused in connection with the disputed contract.
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Matlala and his co-accused face charges including corruption, fraud and money laundering stemming from the tender, which was awarded to Medicare 24 and later cancelled in May 2025.
The matter was postponed to 26 June 2026 after prosecutors told the court that additional evidence had surfaced and required further investigation.
Rather than being returned to eBongweni Correctional Centre, Matlala has remained at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre while negotiations continue.
Idac Plea Agreement Talks In R228 Million SAPS Tender Case
The Investigative Directorate Against Corruption is reportedly considering whether Matlala’s cooperation could assist investigators in broadening the corruption probe.
According to the Sunday Times, divisions have emerged over whether any agreement should be reached.
“This is a very serious issue that is [causing] divisions because others are of the view that there should be no deal.
“[However,] Matlala might be offering Idac some of the big fish involved in that corruption case.
“The fight with correctional services was just the tip of the iceberg, as Idac wants him to give up certain people,” a source told the publication.
A separate source said any suggestion that Matlala could receive immunity was “out of the question”.
Fannie Masemola And Police Officers Face PFMA Charges
Fannie Masemola has been charged with four counts under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
He is accused of failing to intervene earlier in the procurement process before the contract was terminated. By the time the agreement was cancelled, at least R50 million had already been paid.
The state alleges that James George Murray and Brian Cartwright helped Matlala prepare the bid for a R360 million SAPS health services contract.
Cartwright is also accused of drafting bid evaluation committee minutes and submitting documentation to the bid adjudication committee.
Investigators claim nine police officers serving on the bid evaluation committee failed to identify irregularities during the assessment process.
Senior procurement officer Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka is alleged to have inadequately scrutinised the bid before recommending it for approval.
Rachel Matjeng Bribery Allegations And Money Laundering Claims
Matlala’s alleged girlfriend, Rachel Matjeng, is among those implicated in the case.
The brigadier, who works in SAPS forensic services, is accused of helping implement the contract by facilitating purchase orders.
Authorities allege she received three payments of R300,000 each between January and March 2025 as bribes.
Prosecutors further claim that funds were laundered through transactions involving Medicare24, Matlala and Luxo Africa Brand Investments.
Cat Matlala Also Faces Attempted Murder Trial In July 2026
Beyond the tender fraud matter, Matlala is preparing for a separate criminal trial beginning on 20 July 2026.
The trial is expected to run for 25 days and involves 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder.
He will appear alongside his wife, Tskane Matlala, alleged hitmen Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Musa Kekana, as well as Nthabiseng Nzama.
Among the key allegations is the October 2023 shooting of actress Tebogo Thobejane, who was previously in a relationship with Matlala.
Other incidents cited in the indictment involve businessman Joe Sibanyoni and music producer Seunkie Mokubong.
