Businessman Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala appeared before court over attempted murder case. Photo by: Sibongumenzi Sibiya
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman with deep ties to the South African Police Service, orchestrated a R228 million tender fraud and faced multiple charges including corruption and money laundering.
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala built his reputation as a businessman with connections deep inside the South African Police Service. His company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, appeared legitimate on paper, but beneath the surface lay a scheme that would shake the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
Between 2018 and 2022, Matlala orchestrated the fraudulent awarding of a R228 million SAPS tender. He colluded with high-ranking police officials, manipulating procurement processes for personal enrichment. The scheme involved seven counts of fraud, corruption, and money laundering — a web of deceit that spanned several years.
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has pleaded guilty to corruption and fraud charges linked to a R228 million Medicare24 tender (Raymond Morare)
When authorities finally uncovered the operation, Matlala found himself staring at serious criminal charges. Rather than face a full trial, he negotiated a plea-and-sentencing agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority. The proposed deal suggested an effective eight-year prison sentence, which his legal team hoped would bring closure to the case.
On July 1, 2026, the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court had other plans.
Magistrate Ignatius du Preez heard the arguments and delivered a scathing rejection of the plea bargain.
He described Matlala as a “deceptive and devious mastermind”, a man who orchestrated corruption at the highest levels and manipulated the system for selfish gain.
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Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Tsakani Matlala appears at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images) (Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala appears at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images) (Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Musa Kekana, Floyd Mabusela, Vusimuzi and Tsakani Matlala appear at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
(Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala appears at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images) (Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala appears at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images) (Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala And Co-Accused Return To Court Over Multiple Attempted Murder Charges In South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 15: Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala appears at Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial hearing on June 15, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The suspects faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. (Photo Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images) (Gallo Images/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
The magistrate ruled that eight years was far too lenient for crimes of this magnitude.
The court instead proposed an effective twelve-year sentence of direct imprisonment. Matlala remains incarcerated at the C-Max section of Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, classified as a high-risk inmate.
Cat Matlala back in court! Cat Matlala is back in court. He's appearing at the Joburg High Court with his co-accused — including his wife. (Andiswa Ngenyane)
His legal team and the state were given until 13 July 2026, to decide whether to accept the modified sentence or abandon the deal entirely.
If no agreement is reached, the plea bargain collapses, and Matlala faces a full trial, not only for the R228 million fraud but also for twenty-five additional charges, including eleven counts of attempted murder from a separate case. The fall of “Cat” Matlala may have only just begun.
Doreen Molefe is Deputy Editor at Daily Sun with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital journalism. An accomplished editor and media leader, she is passionate about newsroom excellence, talent development, strategic leadership and impactful storytelling.
