Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala caused a stir at the Madlanga Commission when he used an example that appeared to suggest he could shoot Evidence Leader Mahlape Sello.
While this was purely an example used by Matlala in an effort to explain his reluctance to answer questions about his dealings with controversial businessmen Hangwani Maumela and Suleiman Carrim, the reference to possibly shooting the Evidence Leader got the room talking, with many others expressing their views on social media.
“Commissioner, if I can make an example and I say to you that tomorrow I’m going to shoot you, obviously you’ll maybe be wearing a bulletproof vest or driving an armoured car. I’m preparing you for something. Even the SIU, I will know by the time they charge me that this is what they have been charged with.
“But before that, I wouldn’t know. So I cannot tell you now, as I sit here, that this is what they are investigating me for. I don’t know,” said Matlala.
The example attracted attention as Matlala is facing two attempted murder charges, with the State alleging that he shot or arranged the shooting of both his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, and taxi boss Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni. He has denied any involvement and remains in custody following his arrest in 2025.
While ducking and diving during questioning, Matlala did provide some information, including confirming that he, along with allies Maumela and Carrim, had joined forces to bid for tenders at Tembisa Hospital, where up to R2 billion was allegedly siphoned by a suspected syndicate that includes the three men.
“For me, I can say in three years I got maybe R5 million, not a lot. That was just for me. We were not bidding together,” said Matlala.