Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Biography: Net Worth, SAPS Tender Scandal, Arrest & Latest Updates
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Biography
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala is a controversial South African businessman and alleged tenderpreneur known for his luxury lifestyle, high-level political connections, and multiple criminal allegations. His name became widely known in 2024–2025 after being linked to a R360 million SAPS tender, followed by charges of fraud, attempted murder, and money laundering. This in-depth biography covers his early life, rise to wealth, legal battles, and current status.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Early Life and Background
Vusimuzi Matlala, commonly known as “Cat” Matlala, was born around 1976, likely in Mpumalanga, South Africa. He relocated to Gauteng as a young adult, where he began establishing small businesses.
While not much is publicly known about his educational background, Matlala’s early ventures included:
Black AK Trading & Suppliers
Falcon Cat Trading
Cor Kabeng Trading
These companies primarily dealt with government tenders, focusing on health services, medical supplies, and municipal support contracts.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Rise to Wealth: SAPS Tender & Business Empire
In 2024, Matlala shot to national prominence after his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, secured a R360 million tender from the South African Police Service (SAPS). The tender was awarded for providing medical screenings, wellness services, and occupational health care for police staff.
Controversy:
Investigators allege that over R48 million was misappropriated from the contract before it was terminated due to irregular procurement procedures.
This scandal drew attention from the Hawks, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and Treasury.
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Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Lavish Lifestyle and VIP Persona
Nicknamed “Cat” due to his flair and stealth, Matlala became known for his extravagant lifestyle, which he proudly displayed on social media and in public.
Lifestyle Highlights:
Rolls-Royce Wraith worth R9 million
Private security company with blue-light VIP convoys (Cat VIP Protection)
Rented luxury mansions in Pretoria
Designer fashion, plastic surgery enhancements, and exotic travel
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Wife
Tsakani Matlala: Full Profilee
Current Status & Summary Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tsakani Matlala |
| Estimated Age | Mid‑40s (exact DOB not available) |
| Spouse | Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala |
| Children | Young children, identity undisclosed |
| Public Role | Social figure, spouse of a prominent businessman |
| Charges | Accessory to attempted murder (3 counts), fraud, money laundering, defeat of justice |
| Bail Status | Released on R20,000 bail (3 June 2025) |
| Bail Restrictions | No travel outside Gauteng; passport surrendered; no contact with certain individuals/funeral parlour |
| Court Progression | Next scheduled appearance: 11 July 2025, transfer to Johannesburg High Court |
Tsakani Matlala Final Thoughts
Tsakani Matlala emerged from public life primarily in relation to her husband’s high-profile legal scandals. Her arrest and formal charges center on the alleged hit on Tebogo Thobejane—raising questions about alleged complicity beyond being Matlala’s partner. Despite her release on bail, her freedom is heavily regulated through court-imposed constraints. The case remains active, with the upcoming court dates expected to bring clarity on prosecution strategy and potential pleas.
Children of Vusimuzi Cat Matlala
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Children | Present, believed to be young |
| Names | Not publicly disclosed |
| Ages | Not disclosed |
| Public Exposure | None reported or documented |
| Reason for Privacy | Legal safety and media scrutiny |
While Vusimuzi Cat Matlala and his wife, Tsakani, are known to be parents, there is no verifiable public information about their children beyond the fact of their existence and approximate age group. This level of privacy is consistent with the protection afforded to minors in high-profile legal cases in South Africa. If or when verified information becomes available through reliable sources, I’d be able to update the profile accordingly.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Investigations: Crime, Politics, and Corruption
Matlala’s name is not just associated with tender fraud. He was also linked to:
The Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal, flagged by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran
A growing criminal syndicate inside the SAPS, according to KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Political connections to Minister Senzo Mchunu and Police Minister Bheki Cele, both of whom have denied wrongdoing
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Notable Allegations:
Over 120 dockets allegedly disappeared related to Matlala
Claims of bribery to suppress criminal cases
Use of state officials for personal security and operations
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Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Attempted Murder Charges & Arrest
In May 2025, Vusimuzi Matlala was arrested by elite police units and charged with:
Attempted murder
Conspiracy to murder
Money laundering
Tender fraud
Illegal possession of firearms
Target of the Alleged Hit:
South African actress and influencer Tebogo Thobejane was shot on the N1 highway near Sandton in October 2023. She survived, but a passenger was paralyzed.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Legal Proceedings and Imprisonment
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala legal situation is ongoing:
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala is being held at Kgosi Mampuru C-Max Prison in Pretoria
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala wife, Tsakani Matlala, was granted bail for her alleged role in the hit plot
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala withdrew his own bail application, choosing to remain in custody
He is expected to appear at the Johannesburg High Court, where more charges could be added, and his assets may be permanently seized.
Vusimuzi Matlala Net Worth
Matlala’s net worth is estimated to have peaked at R100–R150 million, largely from:
Government tenders
Rental income from luxury properties
Profits from his private VIP security firm
However, much of his wealth is now frozen or under state investigation.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Quick Profile Summary
| Full Name | Vusimuzi Matlala |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Cat |
| Estimated Age | 48–49 (born c. 1976) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Businesses | Medicare24, Black AK Trading, Cat VIP Protection |
| Notable Tender | R360 Million SAPS Health Contract |
| Criminal Charges | Fraud, Attempted Murder, Money Laundering |
| Spouse | Tsakani Matlala |
| Incarceration | Kgosi Mampuru C-Max Prison |
| Net Worth (Peak) | R100–R150 Million |
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Final Words on Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s story is a symbol of South Africa’s ongoing corruption crisis, where politics, crime, and power often intertwine. As the legal system pursues justice, his case may reshape public trust in government tenders and the police service.
Stay tuned for more verified updates on this high-profile South African criminal case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
He is a South African businessman and alleged crime kingpin linked to government tender fraud and attempted murder charges.
What did Cat Matlala do?
He allegedly stole millions from a SAPS medical contract and ordered a hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Where is Vusimuzi Matlala now?
He is in custody at Kgosi Mampuru C-Max Prison awaiting trial.
What is Cat Matlala’s net worth?
At his peak, he was worth an estimated R100–150 million, though much is now frozen by the state.
Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Conclusion
Conclusion: The Rise and Fall of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s story reflects the dark intersection of wealth, corruption, and crime in modern South Africa. From humble beginnings to multi-million rand tenders, Matlala built an empire that dazzled with designer suits, luxury convoys, and political ties. But behind the flash and flair, his empire was allegedly fueled by fraud, violence, and manipulation of state systems.
Today, his name is no longer associated with success—but with corruption scandals, VIP abuse, and a chilling assassination plot. Held in one of the country’s most secure prisons and facing numerous charges, Matlala is now the face of a wider call for accountability in government contracts and law enforcement.
His downfall serves as a cautionary tale: in a society battling systemic corruption, even the most powerful figures will eventually face justice.