Vusimuzi Matlala SAPS Tender Plea

Cat Matlala, a controversial tenderpreneur and alleged underworld figure, pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges related to a R228 million health services tender awarded by the South Africa — South African Police Service (SAPS) to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. As part of a plea and sentence deal with the South Africa — National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Matlala received a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence, with seven years suspended, on the condition that he becomes a state witness. He admitted to using a franchise agreement as a B-BBEE front and making misrepresentations during the bidding process. Matlala also confessed to making payments, including R300,000 to Brig Rachel Majteng, to SAPS members for their assistance in securing the tender. The tender, initially valued at R360 million, was cancelled in May 2025 after R50.3 million had been paid out. The deal also includes R1 million fines for Medicare24 Tshwane District and Luxo Africa Brand Investments, suspended for five years. Matlala's testimony is expected to implicate senior SAPS officials, including suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, in the widespread corruption.