The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) has unveiled shocking evidence linking controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to a network of police capture and illegal privileges, including a fleet of luxury cars fitted with blue lights and sirens reserved for emergency services.
The dramatic hearing on Friday saw commissioners screen two social media videos posted by Matlala’s partner, Cordelia Kabeng, known online as “Mama Cat.” The clips, shared in early 2023 and since deleted, show Kabeng flaunting a blue-light convoy of high-end vehicles used for personal errands, including school runs and airport drop-offs.
In the first video, captioned “Blue lights… to drop off the queen and her cubs,” Kabeng films herself cruising through Gauteng traffic in a black SUV with flashing blue lights and wailing sirens. Another clip, titled “Mama Cat and her fleet,” showcases a convoy of luxury cars, including a Range Rover and a Mercedes-Benz, all equipped with unlawful emergency features. Investigators confirmed that the vehicles belonged to Matlala, whose companies have been tied to irregular tenders worth millions at Tembisa Hospital, a scandal that was flagged by slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran in 2021.
Evidence presented to the commission revealed that the blue-light modifications were allegedly arranged by Brigadier Julius Makhwanazi, then acting chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, testifying before Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, detailed how Makhwanazi fraudulently registered Matlala’s private vehicles as official EMPD assets using forged documents. This allowed the illegal installation of state-issued blue lights and sirens, a serious breach of the National Road Traffic Act. A fraud and corruption case was later opened at the Boksburg Police Station in March 2023. Makhwanazi has denied the allegations, claiming “no blue lights were fitted by the city.”
Testimony before the commission also exposed a climate of intimidation. Mapiyeye alleged that former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi threatened him with “hitmen” for investigating the matter. Matlala, who directs several companies including Cat VIP Protection and Medicare 24 Tshwane District, is already facing charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, and collusion with senior police officers. Despite ongoing investigations, his firms continue to secure lucrative government contracts, including a R360 million SAPS health services deal. The Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa has since filed a no-confidence motion against Makhwanazi at the Ekurhuleni Council.
The commission’s findings could lead to criminal charges, contract cancellations, and tightened blue-light regulations. As the hearings continue next week, more witnesses are expected to testify on Matlala’s links to forensic expert Calvin Rafadi and Minister Senzo Mchunu, promising further revelations in what has become one of South Africa’s most explosive corruption sagas in years.
