Investigating Police Corruption in South Africa
South Africa's extensive inquiry into alleged police corruption has been significantly marked by the involvement of a controversial businessman, Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala. At 49 years old, Matlala stands accused of leveraging substantial gifts, such as impalas, weight-loss drugs, and personal loans, to secure police contracts and sway influence within the force.
Matlala has been detained for over a year on charges related to a different case, yet he was expected to present his perspective to the commission led by retired Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Although he appeared before the commissioners for two hours, his full testimony has been deferred to September.
Public Intrigue and Previous Testimonies
The developments of the Madlanga Commission, ongoing for ten months, have captivated the South African public, who are keen to hear Matlala's account. Last November, during a parliamentary inquiry into corruption, Matlala denied knowing senior police officers or politicians personally, despite acknowledging donations linked to the African National Congress (ANC).
Matlala's name first surfaced in relation to alleged tender irregularities at a state hospital three years ago. He has consistently denied any involvement. His early life, as shared in parliament, recounts growing up in a township east of Pretoria, raised initially by a single mother who later disappeared. Matlala described himself as a 'street kid' during this period.
Legal Troubles and Business Ventures
Following his mother’s death in 2002, Matlala learned of her assault due to her albinism, a condition surrounded by harmful myths. After leaving school, Matlala engaged in informal business activities, which led to several legal encounters, including a conviction for possession of stolen goods in 2001. Despite various arrests for crimes like robbery and assault, he was often acquitted or saw charges dropped.
In 2017, Matlala claimed a turnaround by starting a formal security services business, which later expanded into healthcare, resulting in lucrative contracts. However, his involvement in police contracts came under scrutiny amid allegations of corrupt relationships with senior officers.
Allegations of Political Influence
Emerging testimonies at the Madlanga Commission implicated Matlala in financial dealings with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who allegedly received campaign funds from Matlala. Mchunu refuted these claims, while Matlala admitted to paying Bheki Cele, Mchunu's predecessor, a 'facilitation fee' for returning seized firearms.
Despite Cele's denial of any financial receipt from Matlala, he acknowledged brief acquaintanceship and staying at Matlala's rented property. Matlala's relationship with other police officials, such as suspended deputy police chief Maj-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has also been questioned, with allegations of receiving impalas around contract awarding times.
Romantic and Professional Entanglements
Further revelations include a romantic link with Brig Rachel Matjeng, a senior officer involved in awarding the controversial police contract to Matlala. Matjeng admitted to receiving lavish gifts, while another officer, Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri, confessed to a personal loan from Matlala, claimed to be for his son's car repairs.
Both Shibiri and Matjeng have since been dismissed from the police. Similarly, allegations of preferential treatment by Julius Mkhwanazi, former acting police chief in Ekurhuleni, have surfaced, accusing him of outfitting Matlala's vehicles with police sirens, which he denies.
Looking Ahead
As the inquiry continues, many hope Matlala's testimony in September will shed light on the intricate workings of the alleged corruption. The case has raised significant questions about oversight within the police force and the influence of powerful individuals.
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