A News24 investigation has revealed that former Police Minister Bheki Cele made several desperate attempts to reach controversial businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala just before his arrest.
Bheki Cele’s calls to Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala
According to the report, Cele phoned Matlala 10 times in a single day, 9 May 2025.
None of the calls were answered. At the time, Matlala was threatening to take the police to court over the possible cancellation of his R360 million health and risk services contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Shortly afterwards, the contract was cancelled, and Matlala was arrested for the 2023 attempted murder of his ex-partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Phone records also show that Cele and Matlala had exchanged over 100 calls and text messages in total, even though Cele has denied being friends or business partners with him.
Cele stayed in Matlala’s luxury penthouse
The exposé further revealed that Cele stayed twice in Matlala’s luxury penthouse at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria.
Hotel records show Matlala had personally organised access for Cele, describing him as a “friend and business partner.” Cele later admitted using the apartment but strongly denied having any business links with the jailed businessman.
When questioned by News24, Cele admitted he knew Matlala but cut off the line of questioning, saying:
“I know him, but friends, no. You are not a commission.”
Who is Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala?
Vusi “Cat” Matlala is a businessman with a long list of controversies. His company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, won the SAPS contract in 2022 despite being a small firm from Boksburg.
The contract was later cancelled due to fraud, fronting, and poor performance.
Matlala was already under investigation by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit over suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital — the same case that whistleblower Babita Deokaran flagged before she was murdered in 2021.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has described Matlala as an “underworld figure” who managed to capture the influence of police leaders.
Today, Matlala is in jail facing charges including attempted murder, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice. He has also been linked to violent attacks on businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and musician DJ Vettys.
Another police minister suspended
Cele’s successor, Senzo Mchunu, has also been implicated in links to Matlala. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently placed Mchunu on special leave following corruption allegations tied to policing and organised crime.
To stabilise the ministry, Ramaphosa appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is not a career politician but a legal scholar, which the president said was necessary to restore credibility.
In his national address in July 2025, Ramaphosa announced the launch of a judicial commission of inquiry into corruption within law enforcement. The commission will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and has powers to summon witnesses, investigate criminal syndicates, and recommend suspensions.
Ramaphosa said the allegations raised by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi — including interference in investigations and collusion with organised crime — were too serious to ignore.