Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman and alleged crime figure, has been linked to funding suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s ANC presidential bid, according to recent testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Matlala, under criminal investigation for multiple offences, allegedly confessed to channelling funds through intermediaries to support Mchunu’s political ambitions. These revelations place Matlala at the centre of a growing corruption scandal involving the SAPS top brass and ANC inner circles.
Who Is Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala?
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is an accused tender tycoon with alleged ties to the “Big Five” criminal cartel. He was arrested in May 2025 and faces charges including attempted murder, fraud, and conspiracy to defeat the ends of justice.
Matlala previously held a R360 million SAPS health services tender, which was cancelled shortly before his arrest. His alleged political influence is now under scrutiny following explosive revelations by Witness C, a member of the elite Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Read more about the investigation in KT Molefe Friends With Senzo Mchunu, Police Told During Takedown, which reveals new details about Mchunu’s alleged inner circle.
Matlala Linked to Funding Senzo Mchunu’s ANC Presidential Bid
The most damning accusation is that Matlala funded Senzo Mchunu’s ANC presidential campaign with a R500,000 contribution. The money was allegedly used to pay for flights, accommodation, and entertainment for ANC delegates attending the party’s January 8th anniversary in Cape Town.
“Matlala said he contributed to Mchunu’s campaign… he paid close to R500,000,” said Witness C before the Madlanga Commission.
These funds were allegedly funnelled through a company linked to ANC fixer Brown Mogotsi, avoiding direct communication with Mchunu.
Mchunu’s Response: “I Never Spoke to Matlala”
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has categorically denied any involvement.
“I have never met or communicated with Mr Matlala,” Mchunu told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
Despite these denials, Witness C maintains that Matlala believed he was funding Mchunu’s ambitions in exchange for protection from ongoing investigations.
More than Just Political Funding: Allegations of Bribery
Beyond Mchunu, Matlala allegedly bribed senior SAPS officials, including:
- Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya: Received R2 million for a Midrand property and R300,000 for a family wedding.
- Maj. Gen. Richard Shibiri: Allegedly received R80,000 to celebrate his promotion.
- Maj. Gen. Feroz Khan: Allegedly demanded R2.5 million; received R500,000.
- Sergeant FE Nkosi: Allegedly helped move cash payments to senior officers.
“Matlala had SAPS top brass in the palm of his hand,” Witness C testified.
Discover the latest developments in Brown Mogotsi to Testify & Suspended IG Refuses to Cooperate at Mkhwanazi Inquiry, as key witnesses face mounting pressure in the ongoing corruption probe.
The Madlanga Commission Investigates Political and Police Corruption
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating allegations of collusion between senior police, politicians, and intelligence operatives. These include claims that police officials used their positions to facilitate tender deals, receive kickbacks, and suppress investigations.
The commission’s work stems from whistleblower claims made by KZN Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who highlighted systemic rot within SAPS.
A Tangled Web of Influence and Betrayal
Witness C testified that Matlala felt betrayed after delivering bribes without receiving promised protection. When his tender was cancelled on 13 May 2025, he reportedly told detectives:
“I’m funding the person who has all the power… yet that person gives me no assistance.”
Matlala also complained that Sibiya and Mchunu failed to stop police investigations, despite benefiting from his financial support.
Legal and Political Fallout Expected
The implications of these allegations are serious. If proven, they could lead to charges under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Learn more in Deputy Police Minister Shocked by PKTT Disbandment Decision, where senior officials react to the sudden move that threatens ongoing corruption investigations.
A Test for Accountability
The allegations that Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala financed Senzo Mchunu’s political campaign reveal a troubling intersection of state power and private influence. Whether the Madlanga Commission’s findings result in prosecution remains to be seen. However, South Africans are watching closely as the scandal unfolds.
