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 tender I had with the police. I do not want to compromise the investigation or incriminate myself,” Matlala told the committee.
When committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane initially offered verbal guarantees that his testimony would be protected under parliamentary privilege, Matlala remained sceptical.
“I can say I understand, but I also don’t understand. You can promise now, only for an investigation to manipulate processes and use what I say here against me. The law has failed me before,” he said.
Following a short adjournment requested by an MK Party member, the committee returned with a formal written undertaking, drafted in consultation with Matlala’s legal representative. The document satisfied Matlala sufficiently for the hearing to proceed.
Matlala insisted the tender had been awarded fairly and expressed bitterness over its cancellation after being flagged as irregular by SAPS chief financial officer Puleng Dimpane.
“I did everything normally. I submitted all required documents, including proof that I was going to partner with an established holding company that has experience in health issues,” he said when pressed by evidence leader Advocate Paul Arendse SC.
The businessman has already answered questions about his relationships with influence peddler Brown Mogotsi, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, former minister Bheki Cele, and suspended deputy national commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.
Matlala’s testimony, scheduled to continue over two to three days, forms part of the committee’s investigation into KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims that a powerful criminal syndicate has captured parts of the police service.
The committee has applied for an extension to complete its work, with several senior police officials still due to appear.