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 me in factional battles, including former police minister Bheki Cele,” Matlala told the committee.
Lavish Security Measures Scrutinised
Testimony focused heavily on Matlala’s security arrangements and financial dealings. He admitted to routinely travelling with a convoy of multiple protection vehicles and between 12 and 16 armed guards. Some in the convoy are reportedly former members of the police and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) special units.
Matlala claimed his security expenses total roughly R2 million per month, adding that he pays individual protectors over R100,000 monthly, which he said is higher than what they earned working for the state.
When questioned about transporting R200,000 in cash from Pretoria, he insisted that the security detail was not due to the money, but part of his standard protection measures.
“It was not about the R200,000. I always move with protectors in a convoy because there’s too much crime out there and as a businessman I don’t want to be the victim.”
Links to Police Officers Raised
Matlala acknowledged occasionally using police officers for personal tasks. Referring to one occasion, he stated:
“We met at Mr Msibi’s farm. We both liked bikes and boats, and one time I had to give him my bank card so he could go buy batteries for my speedboat.”
Character and Past Cases Challenged
During the proceedings, Democratic Alliance MP Glynnis Breytenbach confronted Matlala over multiple criminal cases in which he had been implicated but later acquitted or had charges withdrawn.
“In my view, Mr Matlala, you’re not a businessman, you’re a crook… and you’re corrupt,” Breytenbach said.
Matlala responded simply:
“I am not a perfect man.”
Matlala is accused of attempted murder of an ex-girlfriend and suspected involvement in kidnappings, including that of businessman Jerry Boshoga. He has also been linked to alleged corrupt relationships with high-ranking officials, though no convictions have been made.
His testimony highlighted how private security, business interests and proximity to law enforcement may intersect at high levels of influence. The parliamentary inquiry continues.