Madlanga Commission: Julius Mkhwanazi's shocking admissions about close ties to 'brother' Vusimuzi Cat Matlala
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi admitted to having a close relationship with controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police acting chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, made stunning admissions at the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, admitting that he was very close to businessman and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala who helped him with money when he was struggling.
Mkhwanazi said he even prayed that Matlala would get the R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract. He said the businessman had promised him further assistance so that he could retire early.
The metro police acting chief disclosed that he took money from Matlala but insisted that these transactions should not be viewed as bribes.
While he claimed that the amounts were small in the region of R15 000 to R20 000, when banking records were produced at the commission he admitted that he had received over R70,000.
Speaking about his relationship with Matlala, Mkhwanazi said: “We were close like that,” he told the commission.
Recalling what Matlala told him about the SAPS contract, Mkhwanazi said: “When this SAPS thing (tender) gets approved, I will make you happy. I want you to resign.”
“We had that… and I prayed for him, you see,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.
“Yes, we had lunch, suppers, we met regularly. Sometimes he would give me money for petrol or borrow money from me. We are that close… he was never negative to me, only very positive.
“The only thing that stopped the communications was fear… but we were very, very close. I treated him like a brother… we were like blood brothers,” Mkhwanazi testified.
Advocate Mahlape Sello SC, evidence leader at the commission, presented transaction records showing that Mkhwanazi received money from companies associated with Matlala including:
- a R20,000 payment from CAT VIP on May 5, 2022
- another R20,000 from Medicare24 Tshwane District on June 18, 2022,
- and R30,000 from Black AK on December 10, 2022.
Mkhwanazi said that the first payment was to fund his brother’s funeral.
Black AK, has previously been implicated in the Tembisa looting scandal.
Mkhwanazi has also steadfastly denied fitting Matlala’s vehicles with blue lights in terms of an agreement that was purportedly reached.
The R360 million SAPS contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, covered health risk management services for SAPS personnel, including wellness screenings and injury assessments.
However, National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, cancelled the contract, citing irregularities.
Mkhwanazi's testimony concluded on Thursday.