Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala claims 52 workers lost jobs after SAPS cancelled his R360 million contract

Fifty-two workers, who were employed by Medicare 24, a company owned by alleged murder accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, lost their jobs after the South African Police Service (SAPS) cancelled a R360 million contract to provide health services to its members.

The revelation was made during Matlala’s formal bail application on Tuesday. 

He stands accused of orchestrating a hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane in 2023.

Matlala faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. 

He is charged alongside four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala, who is currently out on bail.

The charges stem from a shooting incident on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, during which Thobejane, best known for her role in the television series ‘ Muvhango’ - was shot in the foot. 

A female passenger in her vehicle suffered a serious spinal injury.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, Matlala’s lawyer, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, read his client’s bail affidavit - who argued that he should be granted bail to properly prepare for trial.

He described himself as an accomplished businessman who is self-employed and the director of four companies.

“I'm self-employed as the director of four companies, namely CAT VIP Protection Pty Ltd, Lux South Africa Investments Pty Ltd, Black AK Trading, and Medicare24 Tshwane District Pty Ltd,” he said.

Matlala said he earns R250,000 per month from his businesses.

“The first three businesses have operated in Pretoria,” he added.

He further explained his residential and business history in the city.

“I have been in Pretoria since September 2021, although their lease agreements were signed by Medicare 24 since it used to operate at this address. Medicare 24 has since moved to a new address in Pretoria since July 2024.”

Matlala said that all employees of Medicare 24, lost their jobs after SAPS cancelled its contract with the company.

“The 52 employees who were employed at Medicare 24, District Tshwane, have all lost their jobs after our contract with the SAPS was summarily cancelled,” he said.

In 2024, Medicare 24 secured a R360 million, three-year deal with SAPS to provide health risk management services. 

The contract included screening thousands of officers for temporary incapacity leave, ill-health retirement, injury-on-duty assessments, wellness screening and medical surveillance.

According to internal documents, the deal had already generated over R48 million in profits before being abruptly cancelled by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who cited procurement irregularities and claimed the contract was awarded under questionable circumstances. 

SAPS has since launched a full-scale investigation.

Matlala’s business dealings had already attracted scrutiny through a nearly R3 billion Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into suspicious contracts at Tembisa Hospital. 

“However, CAT Protection Security additionally employs 12 permanent employees in its office and 30 permanent guards. The office staff at CAT Protection and Security also perform, on an ad hoc basis, other duties of our other companies,” he stated in his affidavit.

Matlala said he owns a property in Midstream Ridge, Ekurhuleni, valued at approximately R6.6 million, and another in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, worth about R1.1 million.

“I have a tenant residing at the latter property in Mamelodi East,” he said.

He also listed luxury vehicles among his assets.

“I own a Mercedes-Benz SUV and six BMW sedans, which have a combined value of approximately R6 million.”

He said he lives at the Midstream Ridge property with his wife and three daughters, while also supporting six additional children.

“I support all nine of my children,” he added.

He valued the household contents, including furniture, appliances and fittings, at R3 million, adding that the home is registered under CAT Protection and Security Pty Ltd, of which he is the sole director.

Matlala also addressed his international interests, saying that he does not have any financial interests or assets in foreign countries. 

“I have registered a trading trust in Mauritius with the intention to invest in that country during January 17, 2025. My plans to invest in that country are still at a very early stage. I have not taken them any further and undertake not to pursue them until this matter has been finalised.”

He continued, ‘I do not have family, relatives or friends in any foreign countries. I also do not have any intention to relocate anywhere beyond the borders of RSA.”

“I was the only child to my mother who died in 2005. I currently live with my wife and children.”

Matlala has also been implicated in other high-profile cases, including alleged attempted hits on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and musician Seunkie “DJ Vetties” Mokubung. He has denied all charges.

In July, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations, claiming Matlala was at the centre of a criminal syndicate operating within the highest levels of state power.

“Mr Matlala financially supported high-ranking politicians, funded gala dinners, and paid for travel expenses in exchange for political cover and interference in investigations,” Mkhwanazi said.

He also implicated suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and his alleged informant Mogotsi Brown. 

“Matlala bankrolled Mchunu’s events and provided transport and accommodation for his entourage.”

Mchunu has denied the allegations.

Following Mkhwanazi’s press briefing, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister.

He also established a commission of inquiry to investigate the claims.

The State requested additional time to respond to the claims presented in Matlala’s affidavit. 

Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo granted the postponement, with the bail application scheduled to resume on September 8, 2025.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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