Controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, known to all as ‘Cat’, has finally addressed the origins of his infamous nickname. Appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating grave allegations of interference in the nation’s criminal justice system, Matlala offered a personal revelation. He claimed that his moniker is a direct reference to his large family, stating, “The name ‘Cat’ comes from me being a married man with nine children.”
The committee is scrutinising claims that Matlala holds undue influence over high-ranking police officials, with accusations suggesting he was a pivotal figure in the disbandment of a crucial Political Task Team. Throughout the proceedings, Matlala sought to frame his own narrative, providing a detailed account of his background. He spoke of his humble beginnings, telling the committee,
“I was born and raised in Mamelodi East, Pretoria and I went to Letlhabile Secondary School. I was raised by a single mother, a woman of immense strength.” He detailed his entry into the business world, explaining, “I registered my first official business in 2017, it was a security company and I serviced clients from construction sites and schools.”
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A Criminal Past and A Contentious Present
The businessman did not shy away from addressing his previous encounters with the law, though he presented them as a closed chapter. He admitted to a historical conviction, a move that added a layer of complexity to his testimony.
“I was once sentenced to four years in 2001 for possession of stolen property; however, the sentence was later converted to correctional supervision,” Matlala revealed to the assembled Members of Parliament.
This admission hung in the air, contrasting sharply with the current allegations of his ability to manipulate the very system that once convicted him.
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The proceedings were not without their own political tensions. A request from the uMkhonto Wesizwe party to delay further testimony was met with firm opposition from other political factions, including the EFF and the DA, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the inquiry.
Through it all, Matlala remained the central figure, having taken an oath to be truthful. He is currently detained at the prison facility on separate, serious charges of the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, a fact that underscores the severe nature of his current legal predicament.