Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently facing charges related to attempted murder and fraud, delivered highly anticipated testimony this week before a parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system. Testifying from Pretoria’s Kgosi Mampuru Prison, Matlala alleged he paid former police minister Bheki Cele R500,000 and insisted that Cele “lied under oath” about the nature of their relationship.

Members of Parliament traveled from Cape Town to the correctional facility to hear Matlala’s evidence. Despite having his legs shackled during the hearing, Matlala appeared wearing head-to-toe luxury brand Burberry, including a white shirt, beige trousers, and matching belt and shoes.

Allegations of a R500,000 Payoff to Former Minister Cele

Matlala detailed a financial relationship he allegedly had with former police minister Bheki Cele. This alleged relationship began following a December 2024 raid on Matlala’s Waterkloof, Pretoria, home. During the raid, SAPS officials confiscated his and his guard’s firearms, his watch, and his cellphone.

Matlala testified that Cele later assisted in the recovery of some of these items and helped stop harassment. In exchange, Matlala claimed Cele demanded a “gratification,” which he termed a “facilitation fee”.

Matlala alleged he made two distinct cash payments to Cele:

1. R300,000 cash was allegedly paid around January 2025 at Matlala’s residence in Pretoria. Matlala stated he handed over the money while Cele was inside his apartment. He claimed Cele implied he was not acting alone, justifying the large amount required.

2. R200,000 cash was allegedly paid around March 2025 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

In total, Matlala claimed he made R500,000 in payments to the former minister.

Bheki Cele had previously testified before the committee, confirming he knew Matlala “very well” after meeting him in December 2024. However, Cele maintained their relationship was purely based on information gathering. Matlala disputed several parts of Cele’s testimony, insisting their relationship continued until Matlala’s arrest in May 2025. When questioned by the EFF’s Julius Malema on whether he was suggesting Cele had misled Parliament, Matlala responded, “Yes, he lied under oath”.

Kidnapping of Jerry Boshoga: Matlala Denies Involvement

Matlala is a business associate and close friend of Pretoria businessman and farmer Jerry Boshoga. Boshoga was abducted in Centurion on 18 November 2024, after attending a business meeting. The kidnapping was described as a professional operation that used a Mercedes-Benz with false registration plates.

After the abduction, Boshoga’s family received graphic videos showing him being brutally beaten and pleading for his life and urging his family to pay the ransom. The kidnappers initially demanded R60 million, later reducing the ransom to R25 million, and finally R10 million. Boshoga has not been seen for over eight months and remains missing.

Despite police considering Matlala a suspect and raiding his Waterkloof home in December 2024 as part of the kidnapping investigation, Matlala maintained his innocence before the committee.

Matlala provided an alternative account of Boshoga’s disappearance, claiming that Boshoga had gone missing while traveling to Centurion with his brother to collect 20-litre drums of chemicals used to manufacture narcotics. Matlala testified that when they arrived near a KFC, Boshoga allegedly got out of his brother’s car and jumped into another vehicle, telling his brother to wait, but never returned. Matlala confirmed loaning Boshoga R1 million for cattle farming operations, with an outstanding balance of approximately R110,000.

Matlala used his testimony to address Boshoga’s mother, whom Malema noted believed Matlala was involved. Matlala insisted there was nothing he would do to harm Boshoga, who was “like a young brother” to him. He also asked the kidnappers to provide the family with closure, noting that Boshoga is diabetic and may not be in good health.

In earlier testimony before the Madlanga Commission, an investigator known as Witness ‘C’ stated that a distinctive white sheet found at Matlala’s premises resembled the sheet used to tie Boshoga in one of the ransom videos sent to the family. Witness ‘C’ also testified that Matlala had told him Boshoga owed people money and was involved in the drug business.

Alleged Political Funding and Tender Irregularities

Matlala’s testimony also covered alleged political funding and questionable tender awards. Matlala is linked to a complex case involving high-level corruption and alleged state capture. He has been associated with the “Big Five” cartel, which is allegedly involved in drug trafficking and tender fraud.

Matlala alleged that he paid for flights and accommodation, totaling between R150,000 and R200,000, for people linked to sidelined police minister Senzo Mchunu’s presidential campaign to attend the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in Cape Town. Matlala maintained that North West businessman Brown Mogotsi requested the funds on Mchunu’s behalf.

Furthermore, Matlala’s company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District, was irregularly awarded a R360 million contract by the SAPS to provide health screening services, a contract which was subsequently canceled. When questioned about the tender, Matlala expressed reluctance to respond, citing fears of incriminating himself due to ongoing litigation. Committee members, including Khusela Sangoni and chairperson Soviet Lekganyane, cautioned Matlala that witnesses were compelled to answer questions under the Powers and Privileges Act, and that the evidence could only be used by Parliament. However, Matlala remained unconvinced, worrying that investigators could still use the information against him.

Matlala’s testimony is expected to continue, covering topics including the alleged unlawful disbandment of the SAPS Political Killings Task Team and claims of corrupt relationships between senior SAPS leadership and members of the public.