MATLALA'S DAYS OF RECKONING: Tenderpreneur's Web of Deceit Exposed

Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala

....conundrum?

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Johannesburg - Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, the tenderpreneur and attempted murder accused, has been left reeling as his testimony before the ad hoc committee probing allegations of political interference, criminality, and corruption in the criminal justice system has been marred by denial, disagreement, and claims of amnesia.

The gripping session, which took place at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility, saw Matlala's criminal history, dating back to 2000, laid bare. Many of the cases, including attempted murder, house breaking, and theft of motor vehicles, were withdrawn, but the damage had already been done.

Matlala's admissions were damning, with him revealing that he gave former police minister Bheki Cele R500,000 in cash, allegedly to make his problems go away. He also claimed to have given Cele's associate, Brown Mogotsi, money for the ANC January 8 celebration.

However, Matlala's denials were less convincing, with him denying any involvement in a drug cartel, claiming he was not close to suspended deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, and insisting he was not bribing Cele when he gave him cash.

The committee was not impressed, with MPs labeling Matlala a crook, thief, fraud, and corrupt person who has caused serious damage. The allegations of cash-for-favours, links to senior police figures, and outright denials of criminal involvement have left many questioning Matlala's credibility.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how Matlala will recover from this latest blow. His attempts to deflect blame and shift attention have largely fallen flat, and it seems likely that he will face further consequences for his actions.

The Azanian has learnt that Matlala's company, Cat VIP Protection, supplied protection to the Ekurhuleni mayor for free, and that he donated two BMWs, one Mercedes-Benz, and a VW Golf GTI to the Ekurhuleni metro police department, allegedly to show "good faith".

Matlala's testimony has also raised questions about the involvement of senior police officials in his alleged activities. He claimed to have used a "Sgt Nkosi", who is known as the right-hand man to suspended deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, as an errand person.

The Azanian has also established that Matlala is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, and is currently on trial for inciting terrorism and public violence related to the July 2021 unrest.

As the story continues to unfold, The Azanian will provide updates and in-depth analysis. We call on anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Matlala's criminal history is a long and troubled one, with charges dating back to 2000. Here is a detailed account of some of the cases he has faced:

- 2000: Possession of suspected stolen property, withdrawn

- 2000: Theft out of motor vehicle in Silverton, Tshwane, withdrawn

- 2000: Theft of motor vehicle in Brooklyn, Tshwane, withdrawn

- 2001: Burglary at residential premises in Sinoville, Tshwane (convicted and sentenced to four years)

- 2006: Cash-in-transit heist case (acquitted)

- 2011: Theft of motor vehicle, withdrawn

- 2012: House robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods, withdrawn

- 2012: Common assault in Brooklyn, withdrawn

- 2012: Possession of housebreaking equipment in Mamelodi, Tshwane, withdrawn

- 2013: House robbery in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, withdrawn

- 2015: Carjacking and possession of suspected stolen goods in Silverton, withdrawn

- 2016: Possession of firearm without a licence, impersonating a police officer, and resisting/assaulting a police officer, all withdrawn

- 2018: Attempted murder, withdrawn

The Azanian calls for a full and thorough investigation into Matlala's activities, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Matlala's alleged actions have had far-reaching consequences, with many lives affected by his alleged crimes. The Azanian has spoken to several individuals who claim to have been victims of Matlala's alleged activities.

One victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Azanian: "Matlala's actions have left me and my family traumatized. We were threatened and intimidated by his associates, and we were forced to flee our home."

Another victim, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said: "Matlala's alleged actions have caused me significant financial loss. I was promised a lucrative contract, but it never materialized. I was left with nothing."

The Azanian calls on anyone with information about Matlala's alleged activities to come forward and assist with the investigation.

The investigation into Matlala's alleged activities is ongoing, with several arrests expected in the coming weeks. The Azanian has learnt that the police are investigating several leads, including alleged links to organized crime syndicates.

The Azanian will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, Matlala remains in custody, facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.