Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has admitted to paying R300,000 to a senior police officer as part of a plea deal in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court .
Matlala pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering charges linked to a R228 million SAPS health services tender awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, in June 2024 . The tender was later cancelled after irregularities were flagged, but more than R50 million had already been paid out .
In his admissions, Matlala confirmed he paid Brigadier Rachel Matjeng R300,000 via a third party’s bank account . Matjeng, who was employed in SAPS forensic services, was one of the end users of the contract and is also an accused in the case . She has previously claimed the money was not a bribe and that she was in a romantic relationship with Matlala .
Under the proposed plea agreement, Matlala will serve eight years in prison and turn state witness against senior police officials, including suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola . His trial has been separated from the 11 police officers who are co-accused .
State prosecutor Santhos Manilall said Matlala’s cooperation would allow the state to pursue high-ranking officials for the first time . The magistrate is expected to rule on the plea agreement on 1 July .
Matlala also faces a separate attempted murder trial involving 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, scheduled to begin in July .