Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala had an affair? Inside their romance rumours

Testimony at the Madlanga Commission took a dramatic turn after a senior police officer disclosed details of a long-running romantic relationship with an alleged cartel kingpin, raising serious questions about ethics, oversight, and possible conflicts of interest within the police service.

Police Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the commission that she had been involved in an on-and-off romantic relationship with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a man now widely described by authorities as a suspected cartel leader. According to her testimony, the relationship began in 2017 and continued intermittently over several years.

Matjeng’s appearance before the commission was closely watched, particularly as it touched on concerns about procurement processes and whether her personal relationship may have intersected with official police business.

Claims of Awareness by a Superior Officer

One of the most significant revelations from Matjeng’s testimony was her claim that a senior officer within the police service was aware she was handling a tender linked to Matlala. She alleged that despite this knowledge, no action was taken at the time to remove her from the process or flag a potential conflict.

The commission is probing whether internal controls failed and whether senior management ignored warning signs that could have compromised integrity within the system.

Matjeng maintained that she never used her position to benefit Matlala and insisted that he never asked her for assistance or favors that could have placed her career at risk.

“I Never Saw the Criminal Side,” Matjeng Says

During her testimony, Matjeng described Matlala in starkly different terms from the allegations currently surrounding him. She said that throughout their relationship, she never witnessed behavior that suggested involvement in serious criminal activity.

“I have never experienced any evil side that is being portrayed now,” she told the commission. “I knew him as a humble, respectful and romantic person.”

She further stated that, to her knowledge at the time, Matlala had never been arrested or convicted of serious crimes during their relationship. According to Matjeng, her personal experiences with him did not align with the image that later emerged in the media and law enforcement circles.

Gifts, Money, and Financial Support

Matjeng acknowledged that Matlala was financially generous while they were together. She testified that he frequently bought her gifts and, on several occasions, deposited money directly into her bank account.

This aspect of her testimony drew intense scrutiny, as commissioners questioned whether such financial support could be seen as inappropriate or indicative of influence, even if no explicit favors were requested.

Matjeng insisted that the money and gifts were part of a personal relationship and were not linked to her professional duties or any decisions she made in her official capacity.

Questions About Criminal Background Checks

Commissioner Sandile Khumalo pressed Matjeng on whether she had taken steps to verify Matlala’s background once their relationship began. In response, she admitted that she did not personally conduct a formal background check but instead asked two individuals to look into his criminal history on her behalf.

According to her testimony, one person reported that Matlala had a prior conviction from many years earlier, while the second individual never provided feedback.

Despite this limited information, Matjeng said she did not pursue the matter further at the time, citing the lack of concrete evidence of ongoing criminal activity.

Awareness Grew as Allegations Surfaced

Matjeng conceded that her understanding of Matlala changed significantly once allegations against him became public. She acknowledged that between the time the accusations surfaced and his eventual arrest, she became increasingly aware of the scope and seriousness of the alleged crimes.

However, she maintained that this awareness developed later in the relationship and was not present during its early stages.

Why the Testimony Matters

The Madlanga Commission is examining broader issues of corruption, governance, and accountability within law enforcement. Matjeng’s testimony has added a personal and controversial dimension to those inquiries, highlighting how personal relationships can blur professional boundaries—especially when senior officials and alleged criminal figures are involved.

As proceedings continue, the commission is expected to further interrogate whether institutional failures allowed such relationships to go unchecked and whether reforms are needed to prevent similar situations in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Rachel Matjeng?
Rachel Matjeng is a police brigadier who testified before the Madlanga Commission.

Who is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
Matlala is an alleged cartel kingpin currently facing serious criminal allegations.

When did the relationship begin?
Matjeng testified that the romantic relationship began in 2017.

Did Matjeng admit to wrongdoing?
She denied abusing her position or granting any favors related to her relationship.

Why is the Madlanga Commission investigating this?
The commission is examining governance failures, corruption risks, and ethical breaches within the police service.