Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has alleged that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi asked him for a favour during a meeting earlier this year. The controversial businessman made the claims while testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on 26 November 2025. He told the committee that former Police Minister Bheki Cele arranged the April meeting, which he said was tied to the fallout over his R360 million police tender.
Testifying before the committee, currently sitting at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Tshwane, Matlala said he met General Mkhwanazi at The Pearls of Umhlanga in April 2025. He claimed the meeting was meant to address the alleged sabotage of his police contract. According to Matlala, General Mkhwanazi told him he was aware of the challenges surrounding the tender and alleged that Lieutenant General Lineo Nkhuoa was trying to cancel the contract. Matlala further claimed that Mkhwanazi alleged Nkhuoa was working with the previous service provider, who was paying her large sums of money.
What you need to know about Cat Matlala’s testimony:
Matlala’s lawyers requested a postponement of his testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee, citing prison conditions and health concerns.
However, the committee’s chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, confirmed that Matlala would still testify.
His legal team said his solitary confinement was affecting him physically and mentally.
Matlala expressed scepticism about the immunity granted to him, saying investigators might use his testimony against him.
Matlala went on to claim that during their discussion, General Mkhwanazi asked him for a favour. He alleged that the KZN Police Commissioner told him about a case opened against him with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). According to Matlala, Mkhwanazi said a man who had allegedly been tortured by officers had opened the case, and because Matlala knew the complainant, he should convince him to drop the charges.
