‘I don’t know him, let him rot in jail,’ Malema breaks silence on Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala scandal
EFF leader Julius Malema has denied any association with controversial business tycoon Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who is accused of corruption and attempted murder.
Image: X/EFF
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has distanced himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, following social media speculation linking him and his wife to the embattled tycoon.
“He must go - rot in jail. I don’t know him. I don’t even care about him,” Malema told journalists on Wednesday outside Mponegele Primary School voting station in Limpopo, where by-elections were held in Ward 13.
“I’ve never had anything to do with him. So you take a petty gossip and come ask me about it? There are serious national issues you should ask me about. I’ve got nothing to do with what is happening.”
Malema also expressed frustration over the scrutiny, “When I speak, you all complain. When I keep quiet, you all complain. I don’t know what you want now ...le a nnyaka, man (you really want me to talk).”
Malema's comments followed speculation on social media suggesting his wife, Mantwa Matlala, is related to Matlala or uses VIP protection services offered by his company, CAT VIP Protection.
Images making rounds on social media, purportedly show a woman believed to be Mantwa being protected by agents from CAT VIP Protection.
Some users have alleged that this connection is the reason for Malema’s silence on Matlala.
Others, however, said there were no links between Mantwa and the businessman.
“Cat” Matlala made headlines recently after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in police operations and shielding criminal networks.
During a press briefing last week, Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records that allegedly show efforts to dismantle a KZN task team.
Mkhwanazi linked Matlala to Brown Mogotsi, a “comrade” of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and revealed Matlala had received a R360 million SAPS health services contract that has since been canceled.
According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment of the task team was “a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.”
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave and established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
On Tuesday, he appointed Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister, while Mantashe continues in his current role in Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Professor Firoz Cachalia is expected to assume the role permanently in August after retiring from Wits University.
Thobejane was shot in the foot on the N1 near Sandton, while a female passenger suffered a serious spinal injury.
Last week on Friday, Matlala and his three co-accused appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
The state announced plans to consolidate two other cases - one in Pretoria West and another in Lyttelton - into the current matter.
Proceedings were postponed to August 26.
Matlala appeared in shackles and was transported under heavy guard to the C-Max unit at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering.
His co-accused include his wife, Tsakani Matlala (accused number four), Musa Kekana (accused number one), and Tiegi Floyd Mabusela, also known as Danny (accused number two).
Tsakani Matlala was added to the charge sheet in May and granted R20,000 bail due to health concerns and her role as a mother of young children.
Bail conditions include surrendering her passport, remaining in Gauteng, and avoiding contact with witnesses or relatives of the other accused.
Matlala was arrested on May 14 in Midrand following what police called a “high-profile investigation.”
He is accused of orchestrating a hit on Thobejane and laundering millions, including funds tied to the canceled SAPS contract.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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