Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a South African businessman who rose from private security and healthcare services into the spotlight after winning multiple government contracts — and later becoming the subject of criminal and corruption investigations.

Reporting over the past several years has tracked Matlala’s rapid ascent through public-sector tenders and the intense scrutiny that followed.

Early life and background

Details about Matlala’s early life are limited in public reporting. Most profiles identify him as a Gauteng-based entrepreneur who became prominent through firms operating in private security, medical services and government procurement. Journalists describe him as flamboyant and well connected in certain government circles — descriptions that both fueled public interest and media scrutiny.

Business career: security, healthcare and tenders

Matlala’s business footprint includes companies in private security and medical services. He has been linked to firms such as Medicare24 Tshwane District, Cat VIP Protection, Black AK Trading and others that were involved in supplying goods and services to government entities. These companies helped him secure large public-sector tenders in the 2020s.

One contract that drew national attention was the R360 million contract awarded to Medicare24 to provide medical and wellness services to South African Police Service (SAPS) members — a contract that later became a major focus of scrutiny and was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities.

Allegations, probes and legal troubles

From 2021 onward, reporting and investigations linked Matlala and companies associated with him to a number of irregular hospital and healthcare contracts flagged by whistleblowers and investigators. Media investigations—most notably reporting around alleged irregularities at Tembisa Hospital—drew attention to firms connected to Matlala and resulted in formal probes.

In 2024–2025 Matlala faced criminal charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering tied to a 2023 shooting incident involving actress Tebogo Thobejane. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty, but court proceedings and bail hearings have kept the case in the headlines.

Connections, commissions and the “bigger picture”

As the probes expanded, investigators and media reports described Matlala as part of a wider network alleged to have attempted to influence or capture elements of the state procurement process. His name has appeared in testimony and reporting connected to inquiries into police and procurement conduct, including references at formal inquiries and media exposés.

Public image and persona

Matlala’s public persona — from court fashion to social connections — has been picked up in coverage. Reporters have described him as flamboyant and high-profile in social circles, a characterization that both fueled public fascination and added to the media scrutiny surrounding his business dealings.

Net worth and businesses

Estimations of Matlala’s net worth vary across reporting; some media profiles place his assets in the tens to low hundreds of millions of rand. Precise figures depend on valuations and access to company financials, and public estimates should be treated as approximations.

Current status (as of latest reporting)

Matlala has been denied bail in certain proceedings and has appealed or sought review of those decisions; he remains the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings and commission inquiries. Because these are live legal matters, outcomes may change as courts and commissions continue their work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Cat Matlala?

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a South African businessman known for running security and healthcare-related firms that won government tenders; his profile rose sharply after several high-value contracts and later criminal investigations.

What was the R360 million SAPS contract?

In 2024 Medicare24 Tshwane District — linked to Matlala — was awarded a R360m contract to provide medical and wellness services to SAPS members. The contract was later cancelled amid allegations of procurement irregularities.

What criminal charges has Matlala faced?

Reporting indicates he has been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering relating to a 2023 shooting incident; he has denied wrongdoing and is contesting charges in court.

Has Matlala been convicted?

As of the most recent public reports cited here he has been charged and detained in connection with several allegations; convictions should not be assumed — the matters are subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

Are there broader inquiries involving him?

Yes. Reporting and testimony at inquiries into police procurement and alleged capture have referenced Matlala and associated networks, and investigations have suggested links to larger alleged syndicates under scrutiny by law-enforcement and commission processes.

Conclusion

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s trajectory — from private-sector security and healthcare entrepreneur to the centre of major media investigations and criminal proceedings — is one of the more notable South African business stories of recent years. Public reporting documents both the business activity that brought him prominence and the serious allegations that followed. Because the situation involves live court cases and official probes, readers should follow reputable news outlets and court records for updates as events unfold.