A dramatic search last weekend at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre uncovered evidence that Vusi “Cat” Matlala, a high-profile tenderpreneur under arrest, was still connected to the outside world — via a concealed cellphone.
Proof of Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s corruption surfaces in recent prison raid
Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that a raid led to the discovery of a mobile phone in Matlala’s remand cell.
“One of the raids conducted over the past weekend led to the discovery of a mobile phone in Mr Matlala’s cell. The discovery led to the department taking action, and the remand inmate was then transferred to the facility’s C‑Max section,” he explained.
C‑Max is the prison’s highest-security unit, housing those considered most dangerous or with the highest risk of re-offending.
The move signals that authorities see Matlala’s actions as serious. His cellphone was hidden despite him being held on multiple charges, including murder conspiracy and connections to a major tender scandal.
On Tuesday night, officials carried out a further raid, which turned up crystal meth, dagga, phones, and sharp items across the facility, which houses more than 7 295 detainees, including Matlala, accused killer Thabo Bester, and taxi mogul Vusi “Khekhe” Mathibela.
Correctional services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale told reporters:
“Out of the search, we have uncovered dagga, we have uncovered crystal meth and of course we uncovered sharp objects … The aim is to ensure that we clean as much as we can in this management area.”
He also noted resistance due to overcrowding: “We found out that the offenders … rearranged the cells. So we are struggling with the problem of overcrowding.”
The raids form part of a broader campaign to eliminate contraband and dismantle internal criminal networks. Raids over the weekend also targeted Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre, where inmates were allegedly scamming the public via hidden cellphones. Nxumalo added that inmates were “using sophisticated hideout spots within their cells to conceal the devices.”
How Vusi is connected to corruption, according to General Mkhwanazi
On Sunday, 6 July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi launched a major exposé linking Matlala and another underworld figure, Brown Mogotsi, to high-level corruption involving Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Matlala received financial support from Mchunu at a time when he was facing multiple scandals. He also said former Police Minister Bheki Cele had stayed at one of Matlala’s luxury Pretoria penthouses—a claim Cele denies.
Among the explosive evidence were WhatsApp messages on Matlala’s phone that reportedly connect Mogotsi with Mchunu’s office.
In one message, Mogotsi wrote:
“I have arranged a meeting for Sibiya and the minister, they must have a solution.” Another read:
“The task team that came to your house and harassed you have been dissolved. They got the letter on Monday. As we speak, they are bringing all dockets to Sibiya.”
Mkhwanazi said these messages show Mogotsi acted as a “broker between senior police officials and politically connected businesspeople.”
These allegations reached the highest levels. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who returned from Rio where he attended the 2025 BRICS Summit, described the claims as “a storm of allegations” and vowed the matter would be thrust into focus as soon as possible.
The case also drew political fire. ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula responded:
“The ANC reaffirms its commitment to accountability, non‑interference in law enforcement, and the full protection of whistleblowers.”
Sunday’s prison raids, the uncovering of Matlala’s cellphone, and revelations about his connections to political power figures like Mogotsi and Mchunu, have merged into a single, explosive narrative—one that now demands a national reckoning.
By exposing how the underworld, politics, and even law enforcement might be intertwined, General Mkhwanazi’s revelations threaten the very foundation of South Africa’s criminal justice and governance systems.