The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has suspended eight of its officials following revelations of serious irregularities in the registration of tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company, Cat Protection and Security.
The decision comes after a preliminary internal investigation uncovered improper conduct, procedural lapses, and systemic weaknesses in PSIRA’s registration and verification processes.
Irregular registration uncovered
PSIRA spokesperson Bonang Kleinbooi said the probe found failures in document verification, ethical compliance, and oversight mechanisms, prompting the regulator to act swiftly.
“A preliminary investigation revealed improper conduct, procedural lapses and weaknesses in internal control mechanisms, including failures in document verification, oversight and ethical compliance,” Kleinbooi said.
In response, PSIRA has initiated operational and legal reviews of the company’s registration process and Matlala’s personal credentials.
Matlala’s criminal links under scrutiny
The development adds to the growing controversy surrounding Matlala, who is currently in police custody for the alleged attempted murder of former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Thobejane reportedly fled the country fearing for her life after her car was ambushed and sprayed with bullets earlier this year.
Police investigations have since linked weapons found in connection with the suspects — including an AK-47 and two pistols — to at least 18 crime scenes, among them the murder of musician and nightclub owner Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and his two bodyguards.
During the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, probing criminality and political interference within South Africa’s justice system, Matlala was allegedly identified as a member of a drug cartel known as the “Big Five.”
PSIRA’s next steps
Kleinbooi confirmed that PSIRA will appoint an independent forensic firm to conduct a full-scale investigation into the registration of both the company and the implicated officials.
A central verification unit will also be established to oversee training records, qualifications, and criminal background checks before any new registrations are approved.
“There will be an immediate commissioning of a special investigation and inquiry team comprising profiling, vetting, auditing, forensic, legal and governance specialists,” Kleinbooi said.
The task team will also focus on individuals already registered with pending criminal cases, and review their status in line with the PSIRA Act.
To strengthen transparency, PSIRA plans to integrate its registration system with national law enforcement and government databases — including the SAPS, Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Correctional Services — for real-time verification of applicants’ information.
Kleinbooi added that PSIRA will enhance its whistle-blower and anti-fraud framework, ensuring internal and external reporting of corruption and misconduct, and align disciplinary action with acts of negligence, omission, or collusion.
Leadership response
PSIRA CEO Manabela Chauke emphasized the regulator’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust in the wake of the scandal.
“PSIRA remains committed to transparency, accountability and the restoration of public trust,” he said.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia welcomed the suspensions, saying that corruption within PSIRA undermines both public safety and national security.
“The private security industry plays a vital role in public safety and national security. Any lapse in integrity within its regulation endangers public trust and the credibility of the state,” Cachalia said.
He added that the department fully supports PSIRA’s corrective measures, calling them essential for restoring integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the country’s private security sector.
