South Africa’s Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has changed his position on knowing Vusi “Cat” Matlala, the notorious tenderpreneur recently linked to the alleged murder conspiracy of influencer Tebogo Thobejane.
Senzo Mchunu lied to Parliament about links to Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala
Mchunu’s updated statement comes after he was caught out by KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive press briefing.
In a revised statement, the Ministry of Police said Mchunu “initiated a review of the SAPS tender awarded to him when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced,” acknowledging that he had, in fact, heard of Matlala.
Previously, he asserted he had “never met, never spoken to, nor received anything from him.” The tender in question has since been terminated.
This admission starkly contrasts what Mchunu told Parliament. At a police oversight committee meeting, Mchunu denied having any knowledge of Matlala or Brown Mogotsi—whom Mkhwanazi identified as an associate of both the minister and the tenderpreneur.
Police portfolio committee chair Ian Cameron reminded Parliament that “lying to Parliament is a criminal offence,” and said:
“I went and watched the clips again after yesterday and it’s spot on. That’s exactly what was said… If it were to be indicated that the minister… lied to Parliament, it’s a criminal offence.”
The allegations Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made against Senzo Mchunu
General Mkhwanazi’s Sunday briefing detailed how Mchunu allegedly ordered the disbandment of the Police’s political killings task team in KwaZulu‑Natal, a unit investigating a syndicate linked to senior officials and businesspeople.
He claimed Mchunu directed 121 case dockets be removed in March so the unit’s findings could be buried.
Crucially, Mkhwanazi said communications found on Vusi “Cat” Matlala’s phone show Brown Mogotsi acting as a link to Mchunu. WhatsApp messages included:
- “I have arranged a meeting for Sibiya and the minister… they must have a solution.”
- “The task team that came to your house… have been dissolved.”
These messages, according to the commissioner, suggest politically motivated interference aimed at protecting powerful individuals.
Mkhwanazi’s revelations have sparked alarm at the highest level, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa—then at the Rio BRICS Summit—to promise decisive action on his return.
Mchunu swiftly responded, dismissing the accusations as “wild” and “baseless,” and insisting his decision on the tender review was driven solely by concerns over performance—not personal gain.
He also reaffirmed that, while he knows Brown Mogotsi, their relationship is strictly one of political comrades, not collusion.
Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya added he “had only just become aware” of the matter and would comment once all information was fully verified.
The Ministry also warned that Mkhwanazi’s public comments “could have legal consequences.”
Meanwhile, Ian Cameron has demanded clarity from Mchunu and pressed for an independent commission of inquiry into alleged interference in the criminal justice system.
Proof of Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s corruption surfaces in recent prison raid
Adding fuel to the fire, a raid at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre uncovered a concealed cellphone in Matlala’s cell—a serious violation for a remand inmate.
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that “one of the raids … led to the discovery of a mobile phone in Mr Matlala’s cell,” prompting his transfer to the high-security C-Max unit.
A broader sweep uncovered over 100 illegal cellphones, crystal meth, dagga, and sharp objects.
“We have uncovered dagga, we have uncovered crystal meth … The aim is to ensure that we clean as much as we can in this management area,” Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale explained.
The discovery lends weight to Mkhwanazi’s claims that Matlala maintained strong outside connections, potentially coordinated via illegal means—undermining both the rule of law and public trust in governance.
Mkhwanazi’s exposé pointed to deeper connections: messages on Matlala’s phone appear to confirm Mogotsi’s role as a political intermediary with Mchunu. Matlala allegedly moved funds to facilitate meetings and events for Mogotsi and political figures. Added to this, the raid revealed that Matlala’s network extended into prison, maintaining influence despite being in custody.
President Ramaphosa described the allegations as a “storm” and, upon his return, has vowed to prioritize investigating these interactions. The ANC, through Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula, stated:
“The ANC reaffirms its commitment to accountability, non‑interference in law enforcement, and the full protection of whistleblowers.”
Yet, public trust remains fragile as the breadth of alleged corruption seems to implicate law enforcement, political offices, and the underworld simultaneously.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since responded by calling for a joint inquiry from Parliament’s Police and Justice committees.
DA deputy spokesperson Lisa Schickerling said a formal investigation was necessary to uncover the truth and “restore integrity to the Criminal Justice System.”
“The people of South Africa deserve a police service and justice system that is both accountable and free from political interference,” Schickerling said.
