Madlanga Commission | WhatsApp’s detail Matlala’s links to Mchunu and top cops

Explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission has exposed the complex and often tense relationship between controversial businessman, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and his alleged associate, North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi.

Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, testifying for a second day on Tuesday, presented WhatsApp messages showing that Matlala, with Mogotsi’s assistance, secured four tables at this year’s Progressive Business Forum Presidential Gala Dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Each table reportedly cost over R100,000.

The tables reportedly cost more than R100,000 each.

Khumalo’s evidence also revealed that Matlala and Mogotsi were in close communication, exchanging sensitive police information.

The messages, spanning from December last year to a day after Matlala’s arrest on May 15th, reveal a relationship that began to sour as May 14th—the day of Matlala’s arrest—approached.

Khumalo testified that Mogotsi’s failure to deliver on promises strained his relationship with Matlala, particularly after Minister Mchunu initiated an investigation into Matlala’s multi-million-rand SAPS contract. The investigation led to the contract’s cancellation by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, had been contracted to provide emergency medical services and healthcare to police officers and detainees. The contract was cancelled in May 2025 due to procurement irregularities and underperformance.

During his testimony, Commissioner Masemola, confirmed that it was Mchunu who first raised concerns about the contract. Investigations revealed allegations of corruption, fraud, and failure to deliver services, ultimately leading to the cancellation.

In his testimony, Khumalo said his focus today was on six key themes from the WhatsApp conversations:

* The role of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
* Payments exchanged between the businessmen
* Tender protection
* The dissolution of the political killings task team
* Links to senior crime intelligence officials
* Access to Minister Senzo Mchunu

The commission was also shown a series of pictures and videos, including footage of an IPID raid on Matlala’s property in December, during which firearms were confiscated. Khumalo noted that threats were identified during this operation, prompting 24-hour security for the IPID officers involved.

The suspended crime intelligence boss is expected to conclude his testimony in the coming days.

DAY 9 |

The WhatsApp chats between Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala (listed under his Swaziland ID alias ‘Dlamini’) and Brown Mogotsi #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/1f4HwGaX3B

— Madlanga Commission (@MadlangaInquiry) September 30, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe