Suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to face scrutiny over allegations that he used bribery to influence certain police officials when he returns to the Madlanga Commission on Monday.
Matlala has been subpoenaed to testify for two days as the inquiry moves towards the submission of its final report in November. He has been at the centre of allegations involving criminal interference in the police and judiciary.
Several witnesses have previously made claims about Matlala’s alleged influence within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Among them is Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, who alleged that Matlala gained access to the police through insiders. Khumalo also raised questions about Matlala’s alleged relationship with Crime Intelligence officer General Feroz Khan.
[Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala To Return To Madlanga Commission On Monday]
“The chats between Vusi Matlala and Brown Mogotsi suggest that Matlala had a special relation with General [Feroz] Khan,” said Khumalo.
The commission is expected to examine evidence relating to Matlala’s alleged interactions with police officials. Matlala remains in custody while awaiting trial.
Vusimuzi Matlala Alleged Bribery Of Police Officials
One allegation concerns an alleged offer by Matlala to provide a “bag of money” to help clear Khan during a disciplinary hearing. The claim forms part of evidence about Matlala’s alleged efforts to influence officials within the police. The commission is expected to hear Matlala’s response to allegations made against him.
Matlala also told Parliament in 2025 that he had handed bags of cash to former Police Minister Bheki Cele. His testimony included a reference to the bags he allegedly used when carrying money. “I always operate with Woolies bags,” said Matlala.
The claims about alleged payments and relationships with police officials are among the matters that have placed Matlala at the centre of the Madlanga Commission’s investigation.
The inquiry is examining allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. Matlala’s evidence is expected to provide an opportunity for him to respond to some of the allegations.
Madlanga Commission Examines Matlala’s Alleged SAPS Influence
Khumalo’s evidence is among the testimony that has raised allegations about Matlala’s alleged links to SAPS insiders.
The Crime Intelligence head has previously told the commission about communications involving Matlala and Brown Mogotsi. Those communications are expected to form part of the evidence considered by the inquiry.
The alleged relationship between Matlala and Khan is another area of focus. Khumalo told the commission that the chats indicated what he described as a “special relation” between the two. Matlala is expected to face questions about the allegations when he gives evidence under subpoena.
Matlala Remains In Custody Ahead Of Madlanga Evidence
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Matlala remains detained at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. He has been awaiting trial for more than a year. His appearance before the Madlanga Commission comes as the inquiry works towards completing its investigation and preparing its final report.
The commission has subpoenaed Matlala to testify over Monday and Tuesday. His evidence will be considered alongside testimony already given by police officials and other witnesses. The inquiry is expected to submit its final report in November.
