A Former Street Kid at the Center of South Africa’s Police Corruption Probe

From Township Roots to National Spotlight

How a former street kid is key – Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has emerged as one of the most significant figures in South Africa’s ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the police force. The 49-year-old businessman is set to deliver his formal testimony before retired Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga and his commission panel, though this crucial appearance has been postponed until September following a preliminary two-hour meeting with commissioners.

Matlala’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a central player in national affairs is remarkable. Born in 1976 during South Africa’s apartheid era, he spent his childhood in a township located east of Pretoria. His early years were marked by hardship when his single mother, whom he described as having “disappeared on me,” left him to fend for himself. “I had to raise myself. I was actually a street kid,” he recounted to parliamentary lawmakers during his previous appearance.

His path to stability came in 2002 when he reunited with his mother, who was then suffering from a terminal illness. Tragically, after her death, Matlala discovered she had been sexually assaulted—a crime he attributed to her albinism. He explained that myths surrounding the condition led some men to believe sexual contact with albino women could cure their ailments.

Allegations and Accusations Mount

At the heart of the Madlanga Commission’s investigation are serious allegations against Matlala. He has been accused of purchasing influence through generous gifts, including 20 impalas, the popular weight-loss medication Ozempic, and personal loans extended to police officials. Additionally, he faces accusations of being connected to a drug trafficking organization known as the “Big Five.”

Matlala has been held in police custody for over a year in connection with a separate legal matter. His current situation is further complicated by an attempted murder charge filed against him in May 2025, which he firmly denies. His wife, Tsakane Matlala, faces the same charge but has been granted bail while her husband remains in custody.

Complicating matters further, Matlala was charged with corruption related to providing health services to the police force. Last month, he entered a guilty plea as part of a prosecutorial agreement, but subsequently withdrew this plea when the arrangement collapsed.

Business Growth and Public Scrutiny

Despite his troubled past, Matlala claims to have transformed his life beginning in 2017 when he registered his first formal enterprise focused on security services. He later diversified into healthcare, securing valuable contracts with both a hospital and the police force, even though he openly acknowledged to lawmakers that he lacked prior experience in the healthcare sector.

His public profile rose three years ago when news reports mentioned his name in connection with alleged tender irregularities at a state hospital—though Matlala maintained he had no involvement in those matters. His nickname “Cat,” he explained to parliament, derives not from his supposed “nine lives” but from the fact that he has nine children with his wife.

Previous Testimony and Future Proceedings

During his appearance at a parallel parliamentary corruption inquiry last November, Matlala wore a distinctive Fendi shirt and Gucci glasses. He testified that he did not personally know senior police officers or politicians and denied corruption allegations, though he conceded to making donations for African National Congress activities.

However, he has yet to address the broader accusations presented at the Madlanga Commission or the drug cartel allegations. The commission, which has been operating for ten months, has captured public attention, and South Africans are eagerly awaiting Matlala’s comprehensive response to all pending charges.

“I had to raise myself. I was actually a street kid,” Matlala told lawmakers about his difficult childhood.

He explained that his nickname “Cat” was not, as some had suggested, down to his “nine lives” and ability to survive trouble, but because of his large family—he has nine children with his wife.