Controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has made fresh allegations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, claiming that investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) approached him while he was detained at the Kokstad Correctional Centre’s C-Max facility.
Also see: Bheki Cele faces possible prosecution over alleged Cat Matlala-linked benefits
Cat told the commission that the investigators served him with an arrest warrant and allegedly sought his cooperation in implicating senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials in wrongdoing.
Among the police generals he mentioned were Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Dumisani Khumalo and Fannie Masemola.
His testimony has brought renewed attention to the relationship between Cat, law enforcement officials and the ongoing investigations into alleged corruption within the police service.
BREAKING NEWS MUST WATCH UNTIL END🚨 : Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has started dropping bombs. Matlala tells the Commissioners that IDAC (Dylan Perumal) officials took him to the Sheraton Hotel and McDonald’s. They were trying to get information from him about General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, General Fannie Masemola and other members of SAPS.
“When they fetch me to court they told me on my way to court that listen we not actually after you but however we need to arrest you so that we can get to the people that we want to pursue I asked them who are those people they mentioned General Masemola General Mkhwanazi General”
#MadlangaCommission || #MadlangaInquiry
— NOWinSA (@NowInSA) November 9, 2026
Cat Matlala details alleged approach by IDAC investigators
During his testimony on Monday, 9 November 2026, Cat alleged that the investigators served him with an arrest warrant and told him they were not primarily interested in pursuing him but wanted information that could help them target senior police officials.
According to Cat, the investigators specifically mentioned National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo.
He claimed that their intention was to secure his cooperation in providing information against the three generals.
Cat further alleged that the investigators wanted him to assist them despite him maintaining that he had no information to implicate the officials.
Also see: Cat Matlala’s Medicare24 corruption case delayed as prosecutors review evidence
Allegations about meetings outside prison
Cat also told the commission about meetings he allegedly had with IDAC officials after being transferred from Kokstad to a Pretoria correctional facility.
He claimed that investigators booked him out of the facility on several occasions for meetings without the knowledge of his legal representatives.
One of the meetings allegedly involved investigators taking him to the Sheraton Hotel instead of directly returning him to prison.
Cat further claimed that during one encounter, investigators encouraged him to contact General Lesetja Senona to obtain information that could implicate senior police officials.
He maintained that he did not have information to give them about the generals.
Cat Matlala makes further allegations about his statement
The businessman also raised concerns about how his statement relating to a possible plea agreement was prepared.
He alleged that suspended IDAC chief investigator Dylan Perumal was involved in typing his Section 204 affidavit and that certain information he wanted included was allegedly left out.
Cat’s testimony has brought renewed attention to the conduct of investigators and the circumstances surrounding attempts to secure his cooperation in investigations involving senior police officials.
What happens next?
Cat’s allegations are expected to attract further scrutiny as the Madlanga Commission continues examining claims of corruption, misconduct and alleged interference within law enforcement agencies.
The commission has previously heard evidence concerning alleged attempts by some investigators to target senior police officials, including Fannie and Dumisani.
However, the claims made by Cat remain allegations and should not be treated as established findings. The officials named have not been found guilty of wrongdoing through this testimony.
The commission will have to consider the evidence presented and establish whether the conduct described by Cat took place as alleged.
Featured image: Gallo images/OJ Koloti
Also see: Cat Matlala’s wife among 2 arrested in Pretoria lease fraud case
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