ALLEGED crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has accused corruption investigators of using him to get to some of the country’s most senior police officials.
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Matlala testified at the Madlanga Commission on Monday, 9 November 2026, that officials from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), including investigator Dylan Perumal, approached him while he was being held at the C-Max correctional facility in Kokstad, KZN.
He alleged that the investigators told him they were not actually after him, but needed to arrest him to reach other people they were investigating.
When they fetched me for court, they told me on my way to court that, listen, we are not actually after you. However, we need to arrest you so that we can get to the people that we want to pursue.
— he told the commission.
Matlala names senior police officials
According to Matlala, the investigators later named several senior police officials they wanted to pursue. These included KZN Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and a person he identified as Khumalo.
He also alleged that investigators took him to the Sheraton Hotel while seeking information about the senior police officials.
Matlala raised further allegations during his testimony.
Disputed plea agreement and statements
He questioned the circumstances surrounding his disputed plea agreement, claiming Perumal repeatedly changed the statements he was expected to sign.
He told the commission that about four different versions of his statement were produced and that he was required to sign them.
He identified Advocate Suneel Belluchan as the person who acted as commissioner of oaths during the signing process.
Matlala disputed the contents of the agreement, alleging that IDAC officials added information without his consent.
Madlanga Commission testimony continues
Evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim is questioning Matlala about the statement he made to investigators and the circumstances surrounding its contents.
His testimony is continuing.
