Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently told parliament’s ad hoc committee he does not know Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He firmly denied allegations that Matlala funded his ANC presidential campaign. But testimony at the Madlanga Commission last week presented a starkly different account....Click to Read More >>➤

Witness C, a member of the political killings task team (PKTT), detailed a close relationship between the minister and the controversial tenderpreneur. The witness described interactions and financial dealings that contradict Mchunu’s public statements.

Matlala’s Arrest and Initial Statements

Authorities arrested Vusimuzi Matlala in May. While the arrest was for the alleged attempted murder of his former lover, Tebogo Thobejane, Matlala was eager to talk. Witness C said police followed Matlala to Midrand, where his car hit a pothole and got a puncture, leading to his arrest.

Matlala claimed he was coming from former national police commissioner Riah Phiyega’s house. He was taken to Boksburg Police Station, where he requested to speak with specific investigators. He immediately began discussing his connections to high-ranking police officials.

“He started name-dropping, indicating that he was close to Mchunu, Brown Mogotsi and deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya,” Witness C testified. This statement directly challenges Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s claim that the two were strangers.

Alleged Collaboration and False Cases

Matlala grew frustrated after police raided his home and office in December. He expected protection from his contacts within the police service. According to Witness C, Matlala complained directly to Mogotsi and Mchunu about the raids.

The witness claimed Mchunu then used security resources to identify the investigating officers. “Mogotsi sent him the registration numbers of the cars we were using when we went to his house,” said Witness C.

Matlala alleged he was then persuaded to open false criminal cases against the PKTT members. He attempted to report stolen items, including firearms and luxury watches, at the Brooklyn Police Station. The system showed police had legally seized those items, so the case was not opened.

“He was advised by Mchunu, Sibiya and Mogotsi to open the case,” Witness C stated. With Sibiya’s help, Matlala later opened a case in Protea Glen. He was also advised to file a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

Text messages shown previously revealed Mogotsi and Matlala discussing the Ipid case progress. Matlala expressed that his wife was unwilling to open an assault case against the police, which was suggested to strengthen their position.

Campaign Financing and a Falling Out

Matlala told police he was introduced to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during Mchunu’s ANC presidential campaign. He said he became a financial supporter. In January, Matlala contributed approximately R500,000 for flight tickets and accommodation for ANC members traveling to the January 8 celebrations.

Text messages between Matlala and Mogotsi discussed these payments, with Mogotsi providing a list of delegates. Witness C recalled a conversation with Matlala about Mchunu’s campaign chances. “He said he did not believe he would win, but was afraid of discouraging him,” the witness testified.

The relationship soured when Mchunu took action that led to the cancellation of a R360 million police tender. Matlala felt exposed and unprotected. He decided to take legal action to expose Mchunu. After the police raids, he even met with former police minister Bheki Cele, who advised him not to file false cases against officers.

“I felt that Matlala was very frustrated because on one hand, he was funding Mchunu’s campaign, and he expected the minister to ...Click to Read More >>➤