Who is Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala? A look at the man behind the headlines

Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman currently facing criminal charges, has attracted national attention in recent months due to his alleged involvement in high-profile legal matters and his reported proximity to political figures.

On 24 September 2023, Matlala attended the 50th birthday party of businessman Edwin Sodi, hosted at Sodi’s R85-million mansion in Bryanston. Sodi is currently facing corruption charges linked to the R255-million Free State asbestos tender. The event was attended by a number of notable guests, including Gauteng MEC for finance and economic development Lebogang Maile, ANC NEC member Pule Mabe, political adviser Keith Khoza, and former ANC Gauteng provincial secretary TK Nciza. Deputy President Paul Mashatile was reportedly invited but did not attend.

Matlala and his wife Tsakani were seated at the main table with Sodi. Video footage from the event shows Matlala sitting next to Pule Mabe. Some attendees have since declined to comment, while others, such as Nciza and Khoza, confirmed their presence but distanced themselves from Matlala. Sodi described the guests as his friends.

Less than a month after the event, Matlala was arrested in connection with an alleged attempted hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane, who was previously in a relationship with him. He remains in custody while investigations continue.

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has publicly stated that Matlala is being investigated as part of a broader network involving alleged corruption, political links, and questionable contracts. One of the matters under investigation involves Medicare24, a company where Matlala was the sole director. The company received R50-million from a R360-million South African Police Service health contract that was later cancelled amid fraud concerns.

Matlala’s name has also appeared in connection with alleged irregularities at Tembisa Hospital — a facility linked to ongoing corruption investigations and previously highlighted by the late whistleblower Babita Deokaran.

Separately, Matlala has been linked to reports that former police minister Bheki Cele stayed at a Pretoria penthouse reportedly owned or arranged by Matlala. Cele confirmed staying at the residence but denied having a personal relationship with him.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has since confirmed an inquiry into the Medicare24 contract.

The birthday event host, Edwin Sodi, has also been the subject of scrutiny in relation to the Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant tender worth R290 million. The deal was flagged after a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal. According to the Zondo Commission, Sodi’s company Blackhead Consulting made payments totalling R370,000 into Paul Mashatile’s personal account and donated significant sums to the ANC.

While investigations are ongoing, the matter of Matlala’s associations and the events leading up to his arrest have prompted further questions about political accountability and procurement oversight. Authorities have not concluded any findings at this stage, and those implicated have not been found guilty in a court of law.

This remains a developing story as law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies continue their work.