Senior South African Police Service (SAPS) Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who has publicly acknowledged having been in a relationship with alleged mafia kingpin Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been dismissed from the police service following an internal disciplinary process. SAPS said Matjeng was found guilty of multiple counts of serious misconduct linked to her relationship with Matlala. Her dismissal took effect on 30 June 2026.
SAPS Details Misconduct Findings Against Rachel Matjeng
SABC News reports that Matjeng’s dismissal followed the conclusion of an internal disciplinary hearing.
According to a SAPS statement, she was found guilty of accepting gratification, money laundering, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the administration of the police service.
Police also found her guilty of improperly advising Matlala against the interests of the SAPS and allegedly providing him with a list containing details of SAPS members with the intention of deriving financial benefit.
Welcoming the outcome, Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said:
“The outcome sends a clear message that corruption, criminality and any form of collusion with criminals have no place within the South African Police Service.”
The police confirmed that Matjeng’s dismissal became effective on 30 June 2026.
Relationship With ‘Cat’ Matlala Came Under Public Spotlight
The disciplinary findings stem from Matjeng’s relationship with alleged mafia kingpin Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala.
During her testimony before the Madlanga Commission in February 2026, Matjeng said their romantic relationship began in 2017. She told the commission that Matlala frequently bought her gifts and deposited money into her bank account.
“He bought me gifts and regularly deposited money into my account,” Matjeng told the commission while explaining the nature of their relationship.
Court proceedings have also heard that Matlala, who has pleaded guilty to seven charges in the SAPS Medicare24 tender corruption case, admitted making secret payments totalling about R300,000 to Matjeng through another company.
The funds were allegedly channelled through a retailer in Tembisa before cash withdrawals were made and handed to Matjeng.
SAPS Says Corruption Will Not Be Tolerated
Matjeng is one of 12 senior police officers facing criminal charges linked to the controversial Medicare24 SAPS tender.
Reports have valued the tender at between R228 million and R360 million. [I cannot verify this discrepancy from the available official information.]
SAPS said Matjeng’s dismissal relates to the outcome of its internal disciplinary process and does not determine the outcome of the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The dismissal marks another significant development in the Medicare24 investigation as authorities continue pursuing both disciplinary and criminal processes arising from the tender scandal.