By: Buhle Mbhele
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly denied any personal or professional connection to Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a businessman and tenderpreneur who was arrested in May on charges of attempted murder.
“I have never met, spoken to, requested, or received anything from Mr Matlala,” Mchunu said in a statement released on Monday, following media reports alleging ties between the minister and the controversial figure.
According to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, evidence retrieved from Matlala’s phone suggests possible unauthorised communication between the minister and Matlala, allegedly facilitated through an intermediary named Brown Mogotsi.
While the content of these alleged communications has not been made public, the matter has raised concerns around potential interference in police procurement processes.
In response, Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi confirmed that Minister Mchunu had, in fact, initiated a review of a South African Police Service (SAPS) tender awarded to Matlala, after suspicions of irregularities came to light.
“The Minister acted within his mandate by calling for a review of the tender. This action reflects his commitment to transparency and proper oversight,” said Mogotsi.
Matlala, known in business and political circles as “Cat”, is under investigation not only for attempted murder but also for possible involvement in state procurement corruption, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. His arrest in May followed a raid linked to a violent incident outside Durban.
Police watchdog bodies, including IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate), are said to be monitoring the developments closely, while Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has indicated it may request a briefing on the matter.
