Fate of possible “Cat” Matlala plea deal rests with magistrate: NPA

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the magistrate presiding over the case involving alleged underworld kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has yet to consider a proposed plea agreement.

According to the NPA, any potential plea deal will only proceed once the magistrate has applied their mind to the agreement and determined whether it is in the interests of justice.

Matlala appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrates Court today in connection with the controversial multi-million rand Medicare24 tender.

The alleged kingpin and two co-accused involved in the SAPS tender scandal will now be tried separately from the remaining accused, which include tainted National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola.

Among some of the accused are Matlala’s companies, Medicare24 Tshwane and Luxo Africa Brand, his self-proclaimed girlfriend, Rachel Matjeng, his business associate James Murray, and 11 police officials.

They face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

NPA spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, says the matter will get underway at the regional court tomorrow [Thursday], where the magistrate will make a decision on the plea deal.

Matlala has been at the centre of several high-profile controversies, with his name also linked to investigations into alleged corruption and irregular government tenders.

He is also among several accused facing charges relating to the attempted murder of actress and media personality, Tebogo Thobejane. The case stems from a 2023 shooting incident in Sandton, Johannesburg, in which Thobejane survived an apparent hit.

The accused faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, linked to three separate shooting incidents that allegedly occurred between August 2022 and January 2024.

It is alleged that Cat Matlala will plead guilty and turn state witness!

He better start singing for real! We don’t wanna small tea. We want him to expose the big sharks in the game! pic.twitter.com/qnPzEqUvqE

— Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) June 24, 2026