Alleged Gauteng cartel figure Vusimuzi Cat Matlala has concluded a dramatic morning before the Ad Hoc Committee, vehemently denying any involvement in narcotics or organised crime. In a testimony that captivated MPs, Matlala admitted to friendships with known drug dealers but drew a firm line at any personal criminality.
The inquiry zeroed in on his relationship with Jerry Boshoga, a missing alleged drug kingpin, but Matlala remained unflinching. He stated,
“I am not involved in any cartels or drug businesses; however, I do not mind being friends with drug dealers.”
When pressed on whether he provided protection for Boshoga, he offered a simple, stark denial.
The session took a technical turn as MPs presented WhatsApp messages allegedly between Matlala and Northwest businessman Brown Mogotsi. Matlala rejected the evidence outright, launching a serious accusation against the authorities investigating him. He declared,
“Police who are investigating the criminal allegations levelled against me have manipulated my phone to plant evidence.”
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This claim of evidence tampering is expected to form a central pillar of his defence against the charges he faces.
Further raising eyebrows, Matlala detailed a high-level meeting he claims was arranged by former Police Minister Bheki Cele. He testified that this gathering took place in Umhlanga in April with KwaZulu-Natal Police Boss, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The stated purpose was to discuss a cancelled South African Police Service (SAPS) tender that impacted Matlala’s business interests. Also in attendance, according to Matlala, was KZN Hawks Boss Lesetja Senona, whom he affectionately described as a “big brother.”
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Denies Drug Links in Fiery Parliament Hearing
The most explosive allegation of the morning came when Matlala suggested that General Mkhwanazi proposed an illicit solution to his tender woes. Matlala testified that Mkhwanazi, whom he claimed was close to the police’s Acting Deputy National Commissioner for Support Services, Lieutenant General Lineo Nkhuoa, floated the idea of a bribe. He told the committee,
“Mkhwanazi was close to Lieutenant General Nkhuoa and suggested bribery to resolve his tender issues.”
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This stunning claim implicates senior police officials in a potential corruption scandal and is sure to dominate the next phase of the investigation. Matlala is set to resume his testimony at 2PM.