Former top cop Riah Phiyega denies knowing or meeting Matlala

Former top cop Riah Phiyega denies knowing or meeting Matlala

Former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has denied ever meeting or knowing alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. This, follows testimony at the Madlanga Commission, where Witness C — involved in Matlala’s arrest in May — claimed Matlala told police he had been at Phiyega’s Midrand home shortly before being apprehended. The commission has been tasked with probing the allegations of political interference and corruption in South Africa's criminal […]

October 31, 2025 45

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Madlanga Commission | Witness claims Cat Matlala funded Sibiya’s son’s wedding

The Madlanga Commission has heard a recording allegedly of controversial businessman and alleged underworld boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, claiming he paid R300,000 towards suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya’s son’s wedding. Witness C, a forensic investigator linked to the KwaZulu Natal Political Killings Task Team, presented excerpts of recorded conversations with Matlala made after his arrest in May 2023. Police had arrested Matlala after his car suffered a flat […]

October 30, 2025 190

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‘Cat’ Matlala to spend more time behind bars

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has once again lost his bid for freedom. The High Court in Johannesburg on Monday dismissed his application challenging the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail. Matlala, accused of orchestrating a botched attack on his ex-girlfriend and media personality, Tebogo Thobejane, which left her injured and a friend with a serious spinal injury — had requested R100,000 bail with house arrest conditions. The […]

October 27, 2025 152

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Madlanga Commission | Witness C says Matlala bragged about SAPS ties

Witness C says Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, bragged about having close ties with senior SAPS officials during a search of his residence. Testifying anonymously before the Madlanga Commission on Friday, the witness detailed his encounter with the attempted murder suspect — accused of embedding himself within the upper ranks of the police. Matlala is also suspected of orchestrating the 2024 kidnapping of Pretoria businessman and farmer, Jerry Boshoga, who vanished in […]

October 24, 2025 129 1

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I know ‘Cat’ Matlala very well: Cele

Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, has alleged that attempted murder accused Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, was financing Senzo Mchunu's campaign to become the ANC's next president or deputy. Cele is leaving no stone unturned as he testified before Parliament's ad-hoc committee probing KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations made on July 6. Cele, who was the police minister between 2018 and 2024, is expected to shed some light on the […]

October 23, 2025 73

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Resignation from UJ not an admission of guilt: Rafadi

Private investigator and crime expert, Calvin Rafadi, says his resignation from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) should not be seen as an admission of guilt. Rafadi, who recently stepped down as a research associate at the institution, has been implicated in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Witness X, whose identity was withheld due to safety concerns, told the commission that Rafadi allegedly sought favours from attempted murder accused, […]

October 21, 2025 69

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Judgment looms in ‘Cat’ Matlala bail appeal

The Johannesburg High Court is expected to deliver judgment in controversial businessman, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s, bail appeal either on Friday or Monday. Matlala turned to the High Court on Monday after the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court denied him bail last month, citing concerns that he might flee or interfere with witnesses. The 49-year-old tenderpreneur is accused of orchestrating the failed assassination of his former girlfriend, media personality Tebogo Thobejane, in 2023 […]

October 20, 2025 275

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NPA confirms Matlala’s intention to appeal bail denial

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala intends to appeal the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court’s decision to deny him bail. Matlala made a brief appearance in the same court on Tuesday, facing charges linked to the 2023 attempted murder of his former girlfriend and media personality, Tebogo Thobejane. The matter was postponed to 11 November to allow the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) time […]

October 7, 2025 111

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Madlanga Commission | Crime Intelligence boss falls ill, inquiry postponed

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will resume on October 13, following today’s unexpected adjournment after Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, fell ill. Khumalo, who has been providing explosive evidence on the alleged infiltration of criminal syndicates into South Africa’s justice system, was scheduled to appear for a third consecutive day. Commission Chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, said Khumalo arrived at the venue at 9am but was unable to continue, prompting the […]

October 1, 2025 141