Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
March 2026
The Namibian
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlalaappeared in court onWednesday, 25 March 2026
Source
“As Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala appeared in court on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, testimony at the Madlanga Commission has shown how tender kingpins cultivate politicians – with access, luxury and cash – to capture the state from the inside.”
Matlalawas charged with12 others for fraud, corruption and money-laundering in relation to a R360-million police tender
Source
“At his table is Matlala, the 49-year-old now in jail on charges including attempted murder and on Wednesday charged with 12 others for fraud, corruption and money-laundering in relation to a R360-million police tender riddled with malfeasance.”
Vusimuzi Matlalawas arrested in connection witha R360-million tender fraud to his company Medicare 24
Source
“The tender was subsequently cancelled because of irregularities, including alleged fraud, resulting in the 12 police arrests on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Also charged in this case are Matlala and a business associate of his, James Murray.”
Vusimuzi Matlalaappears to have believedhe had some form of association with Mchunu through Mogotsi
Source
“Matlala, for his part – and again, only on the basis of the WhatsApps presented – appears to have believed that he had some form of association with Mchunu through Mogotsi.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa must decide whether to suspend or place on leave National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who faces criminal charges tied to a dubiously awarded police tender worth R360-million. The decision comes as SAPS fractures over rival claims of cartel infiltration and corruption among senior officers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa must decide whether to suspend or place on leave National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who faces criminal charges tied to a dubiously awarded police tender worth R360-million. The decision comes as SAPS fractures over rival claims of cartel infiltration and corruption among senior officers.
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's court appearance and testimony at the Madlanga Commission reveals how tender kingpins like Edwin Sodi cultivate political insiders through access and luxury to capture the state from within. The case demonstrates a pattern of patronage networks and state capture similar to previous scandals, with Matlala allegedly developing connections to high-ranking politicians before his arrest on fraud and corruption charges related to a R360-million police tender.
Twelve senior South African Police Service officers, including Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and retired Brigadier Petunia Lenono, have been arrested in connection with a fraudulent R360-million tender awarded to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's company Medicare 24 Tshwane District in 2024. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is also expected to face charges related to the Medicare 24 police contract.