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:
- Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, SAPS Chief Financial Officer
- Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing
The pair faced questions on procurement irregularities, including the cancelled R360-million tender awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, as well as claims of political interference and the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. Matlala, currently awaiting trial on 11 counts of conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering, is expected to address explosive allegations that he:
- Paid R500 000 to former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu as part of a deal to protect his interests
- Funded Mchunu’s political ambitions through middleman Brown Mogotsi
- Secured undue influence over Ekurhuleni Metro Police, including fitting his private security vehicles with blue lights
- Made cash payments and gifts to senior police officers
- Minister Mchunu was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025 following Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s public claims of a powerful criminal network inside law enforcement structures. Security analyst Andy Mashaile said Matlala’s testimony could be pivotal, adding that the committee would press him on the exact nature of his relationship with the former minister and other implicated officials.The hearings are running parallel to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.