Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is back before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today, 17 August 2026, where his alleged influence over police officials, links to senior law-enforcement figures, and the controversial awarding of a multimillion-rand police healthcare tender are expected to come under renewed scrutiny.
Also see: Tebogo Thobejane revisits scene of alleged hit ahead of Cat Matlala trial
Matlala has been subpoenaed to testify over two days, 17 and 18 August, as the commission moves closer to completing its work.
His return follows a postponement of his earlier appearance after his legal team requested additional time to examine documents connected to a plea-and-sentence agreement that the court ultimately rejected. eNCA reported that Matlala’s testimony had initially been postponed to September before being brought forward to this week.
Focus on alleged police influence and the SAPS tender
One of the key issues expected to feature in Matlala’s evidence is the alleged awarding of the South African Police Service’s employee health and wellness contract to his company, Medicare24.
Matlala has been accused of fraud and corruption in relation to the contract, with the commission previously hearing evidence concerning his relationships with police officials and alleged payments or benefits involving individuals within law enforcement.
The tender has become one of the central threads in the commission’s broader investigation into alleged criminal infiltration of the police.
The commission is also expected to question Matlala about allegations that he exercised influence over certain police officials through bribery. Eyewitness News reported that his alleged influence over members of the police is a particular area of interest during his two-day appearance.
Also see: Watch: Cat Matlala’s plea deal rejected days after turning State witness
The plea deal adds significance to testimony
Matlala’s appearance comes against the backdrop of a separate criminal case in which he pleaded guilty to corruption, fraud and money-laundering charges linked to the SAPS contract.
A Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court rejected the original plea-and-sentence agreement after finding the proposed effective sentence of eight years too lenient. The court instead proposed an effective 12-year term. Matlala’s eventual legal position on the revised sentence has significant implications for his status as a potential state witness.
The commission’s interest in Matlala extends beyond the tender itself. He has been described as a central figure in the inquiry, with his alleged connections to police officials and other individuals forming part of evidence presented during months of hearings.
His evidence is expected to be closely watched, particularly for any further information about the alleged SAPS tender, his relationships with police officials, and allegations of payments, influence or interference.
The commission’s official website provides access to its public hearings, transcripts, rulings and other records.
Also see: Tebogo Thobejane to tell her story of survival in memoir on Cat Matlala
Featured image: Facebook
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