Matlala's SAPS links revealed

South African Police Service (SAPS) section head for quality management Rachel Matjeng testified that while she was in a romantic relationship with businessman and alleged leader of the Big Five cartel Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala she was not aware of his criminal activities.

- Nkateko Joseph Mabasa

This week the Madlanga Commission investigating claims of political interference and criminality in the justice system heard testimony from police officials accused of leaking information to Matlala and acting as middlemen with senior police officials.

Matjeng denied any involvement in the awarding of a R360 million police healthcare tender contract to Matlala. She said she was not part of the adjudication panel which awarded the contract. She said she had disclosed her relationship with Matlala to her superior officers.

She told the commission that she had “an on and off romantic relationship” with Matlala since 2017, adding any money she received from him were gifts from a partner. Matjeng said she used a different account for the financial gifts to discourage the perception that it was payments.

“None of the gifts or monies received from him were related to me having an influence on the awarding of the tender or the execution thereof,” she said.

She said Matlala would often complain to her about late payments and police noncompliance in the healthcare tender. However, she said she kept her professional life and relationship separate. Matjeng said Matlala was never arrested or convicted of any crime during their relationship.

“I have never experienced any evil side which is being portrayed currently and I know him as a humble, respectful and romantic person,” she said.

Matljeng testified that she once relayed messages between Matlala and former national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. Through texts sent via Matjeng the pair agreed to meet at “the same spot”.

The commission is expected to submit its second report to President Cyril Ramaphosa in March. Ramaphosa adopted the commission’s interim report recommending further investigation and prosecution of several high-ranking police officials linked to Matlala.