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Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Vusimuzi Matlala

Also known as: Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala

Businessman accused of state capture through R360-million fraudulent police tender awarded in South Africa in 2024.

2025-10-012026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. March 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala appeared in court on Wednesday, 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.

    Cat Matlala’s plans for political control followed the State Capture playbook
  3. The Namibian

    Matlala was charged with 12 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.

    Cat Matlala’s plans for political control followed the State Capture playbook
  4. The Namibian

    Vusimuzi Matlala was arrested in connection with a 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.

    Matlala’s ‘Ozempic girlfriend’ and ‘job terminator’ among 12 cops arrested in R360m tender scandal
  5. October 2025
  6. The Namibian

    Vusimuzi Matlala appears to have believed he 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.

    Questions Senzo Mchunu may have to answer at the Madlanga Commission

Thursday 23 April

  1. South Africa's Ramaphosa to decide fate of crime-accused police chief

    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.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 26 March

  1. South African court reveals state capture network through tender kingpin

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Twelve South African police officers arrested in R360m tender fraud

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian

Vusimuzi Matlala — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute