Cat Matlala’s lover denies ‘bribe’ claims

SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a senior official in the Forensic Services Division, has denied receiving R300000 from an alleged crime mastermind, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, as a “gratification” for assisting with his R360 million SAPS contract, which was cancelled amid allegations of corruption and irregularities.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng has denied receiving money from alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala as a 'gratification' payment.

(OUPA MOKOEAN IOL Graphics)

Matjeng, who admitted to having a romantic relationship with Matlala, testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday that the payment was unrelated to her official duties.

She testified that the payments were deposited into a bank account belonging to Osizweni Meat Market, a butchery owned by her friend Modiegi Kekana which she had given to Matlala.

She stated that Matlala had previously deposited money into her FNB account but later requested an alternative account, citing concerns that his wife might discover their relationship and that he did not want the SAPS to jeopardise her career.

As the section head of Quality Management in Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management at the Forensic Services Division in Pretoria, Matjeng’s role involved overseeing the performance of a health risk management contract awarded to Matlala in June 2024.

She testified that she learnt that Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was a successful bidder after 2024. She added that she did not participate in the awarding of the tender in question.