Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

South Africans were on Thursday offered rare insight into the life of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman accused of being the alleged criminal figure known as “John Wick”. Appearing before Parliament, Matlala was questioned over his alleged involvement in violent crimes, including kidnapping, attempted murder, and suspected corruption involving senior police officials and politicians. Matlala firmly rejected all allegations, insisting he is not part of any criminal cartel and claiming that actions taken against him—including the cancellation of his South African Police Service (SAPS) tender and his subsequent arrest—were politically motivated. “It was orchestrated by people who wanted to use…

An emotional testimony unfolded at the Kgoshi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria when alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala recounted his traumatic childhood during an Adhoc Committee hearing probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Matlala told the committee he grew up on the streets after his mother — whom he described as an albino — disappeared under tragic circumstances. He alleged she was the victim of sexual violence driven by harmful superstitions. “My mother, she was an albino. I learned she was raped because some people believe you can be cured of some things if you rape…

The G20’s historic declaration at its first-ever summit on African soil has been widely hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough. And yes — securing a commitment to the restitution of cultural property is no small feat. Africa’s long fight to reclaim stolen heritage has finally been acknowledged at the world’s premier economic forum. But let’s be honest: this is a partial victory dressed up as a triumph. For all its celebratory language, the declaration avoids the one word African nations most needed to hear — reparations. In doing so, the G20 sends a clear message: the world is ready to honor…

Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has disrupted proceedings at the Adhoc Committee investigating allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that criminal cartels have infiltrated the justice system, capturing corrupt politicians and judicial officers. Matlala, who has long been rumored to have ties to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, denied any personal acquaintance with the minister. He admitted only that former Police Minister Bheki Cele had informed him about Mchunu’s political ambitions. “No. Let me explain. It was not Mr. Mogotsi who told me about Mchunu wanting to be president. It was former Minister Cele who told me that…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared shackled before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Tuesday, 26 November 2025, at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. The high-stakes hearing is investigating explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of a powerful syndicate infiltrating the South African Police Service (SAPS). The assurance was granted after Matlala, testifying from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, repeatedly refused to answer questions about a cancelled R360-million health services tender awarded to one of his companies by the SAPS. “I respectfully want to assist, but I cannot go further because of the health…

Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to deliver explosive testimony on Wednesday before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The hearings are being held this week at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre to accommodate Matlala, who remains in custody while awaiting trial. Matlala sits at the centre of claims by Mkhwanazi that powerful criminal cartels have infiltrated South Africa’s justice system by capturing politicians, senior police officers and even members of the judiciary. He has previously told the police’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) that he had dealings…

Lawyers representing Vusimuzi Matlala, a key figure in the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, have launched an eleventh-hour bid to postpone their client’s scheduled appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee, citing “impossible” preparation deadlines and the severe impact of his detention in C-Max prison. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Evidence Leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC and Committee Chairperson Hon Soviet Lekganyane, attorneys Abrams Madira Inc demanded that tomorrow’s (26 November) proceedings be postponed indefinitely to allow adequate legal consultation and preparation. The firm argued that the sheer volume of documents and affidavits disclosed…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu misled Parliament when he informed the ad hoc committee investigating allegations of cartel infiltration, corruption, political interference, and unlawful activities within the criminal justice system that the Police Killings Task Team (PKTT) was straining SAPS finances. During his appearance before the committee last month, Mchunu defended his failed decision to disband the PKTT by citing budget constraints, claiming that other vital functions were left unfunded as a result. These allegations — concerning financial strain and lack of accountability within the PKTT — were echoed by suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, Mchunu’s reported advisor Marry…

Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged cartel infiltration, corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system has relocated its hearings to Kgosi Mampuru II Maximum Security Prison in Pretoria. The unprecedented move is to allow detained businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, described as a central figure in the alleged syndicate, to testify safely on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Committee spokesperson confirmed the decision was taken “to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved”. Hearings will begin with testimony from two senior police officials: The pair faced questions on procurement irregularities, including the cancelled R360-million tender awarded to…

The African Union (AU) is poised to reject a European proposal to include a commitment to address “hybrid threats” in the final declaration of the upcoming EU–AU Summit, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Luanda, Angola. European delegates have been lobbying African leaders to adopt the hybrid threats concept, which has often been used in Western political and security frameworks to portray China and Russia as destabilising influences. According to NATO, hybrid threats involve a combination of covert and overt strategies — including disinformation, cyberattacks, economic pressure and political interference — used to achieve geopolitical objectives without triggering traditional warfare.…