Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Plea Deal: Cash Deals and NHI Leases

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s draft affidavit, prepared during custody for a proposed plea deal, reveals allegations of corrupt arrangements with senior police officials concerning the Medicare24 contract and promises related to National Health Insurance (NHI) leases Mail & Guardian IOL. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court rejected the initial plea agreement, with magistrate Ignatius du Preez ruling that an eight-year prison sentence was too lenient, proposing 12 years instead, which Matlala and his defence team rejected Mail & Guardian.

What Happened: Allegations in the Affidavit

Matlala confirmed a relationship with former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and stated he complied with Sibiya’s requests because he believed Sibiya helped secure the Medicare24 medical contract Mail & Guardian. Allegations include giving Sibiya 20 impalas and being asked to buy a plot in Midrand for R4,000,000.00, which he abandoned due to perceived ongoing extortion Mail & Guardian. Regarding NHI, Matlala alleged former deputy public works minister Bernice Swarts offered help securing a lease for a SAPS hospital on the Tshwane campus and other government buildings IOL. Swarts denied these allegations, stating she never met Matlala IOL.

Dealing with Senior Officials

Matlala detailed meetings with former police minister Bheki Cele, including one at the Beverly Hills Hotel on 23 December 2024, where he raised concerns about the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) Mail & Guardian IOL. Matlala claims he paid Cele R700,000 in cash in January 2025 and the remaining R300,000 in March IOL. Cele publicly denied receiving cash but acknowledged staying at Matlala's Menlyn penthouse free of charge IOL.

Financial Arrangements and Payments

Matlala also detailed payments to Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, with whom he had a romantic relationship, alleging three payments of R100,000 each, totaling R300,000, for assistance with her car repair Mail & Guardian. Furthermore, he alleged assisting Matjeng’s colleague, Colonel Mngadi, with R20,000 cash in Silvertondale after the medical contract was awarded Mail & Guardian. For the medical tender, Matlala claimed SAPS employee Brian Neville Cartwright agreed to assist for R50,000 after each payment cycle, and he placed R50,000 in a bin in Sibiya’s private bathroom in January 2024 IOL.

Options Side by Side

Our view is that the affidavit presents Matlala's perspective on alleged interactions, which remain allegations not established in court, as noted by IOL.

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