Who is Vusimuzi Cat Matlala? Wife, Wikipedia, Biography & Net Worth

PRETORIA – South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is making national headlines again for all the wrong reasons. Known for his lavish lifestyle and million-rand government tenders, Matlala is currently sitting in Kgosi Mampuru’s C-Max prison. He is facing serious charges including attempted murder, fraud, and illegal firearms possession.

On Sunday, July 7, 2025, prison officials found a cellphone hidden in his cell during a surprise search. Authorities believe he may have been using it to communicate with associates outside. Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale confirmed the phone was handed over to the police for investigation.

Matlala has now been moved to the high-security section of the prison and labelled a high-risk inmate. He is set to appear in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, July 11.

The Rise and Fall of Cat Matlala

Cat Matlala, now 49, built his name through lucrative health contracts with the government. In 2024, his company Medicare24 Tshwane District secured a massive R360 million tender to provide medical services to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Reports say the deal brought in over R48 million in profits before it was suddenly canceled.

Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola ended the contract, citing procurement issues and possible fraud.

Things got worse when Matlala’s name was linked to the Tembisa Hospital scandal—a major case involving R3 billion in questionable tenders. Many of these contracts were flagged in forensic audits connected to networks involving Matlala.

Shocking Allegations and Arrest

In May 2025, Matlala was arrested for an alleged plot to kill his former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane. Police say WhatsApp messages between Matlala and a hitman show him ordering a violent assassination, saying the victim should be shot “in the face” to be unrecognizable.

His wife, Tsakani Matlala, was also arrested in connection with the plot. During a raid at his property, police discovered illegal guns, a R200,000 Rolex, and suspicious documents linked to his security company, CAT VIP Protection. Authorities believe the company was used as a front for organized criminal activities.

Corruption at High Levels

During a press conference on Sunday, July 7, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Matlala of leading a powerful criminal syndicate.

Mkhwanazi alleged that Matlala:

• Paid high-ranking politicians

• Funded gala dinners and travel

• Interfered in over 120 criminal dockets

The names mentioned included Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and former intelligence figure Brown Mogotsi. Mchunu’s office denied all accusations, stating that while he knew Mogotsi, he was not a close associate and took steps to terminate suspicious tenders.

Confusion Over Firearms

In 2024, police raided the Durban home of businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize. Initially, firearms found there were wrongly linked to Matlala’s company. However, later investigations revealed they actually belonged to businessman Vusi Xaba.

Although the weapons were licensed, they were stored illegally, causing further legal issues.