I prayed for Matlala's R360m SAPS tender': Mkhwanazi

SUSPENDED Ekurhuleni acting metro police chief Julius Mkhwanazi said he prayed for tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to secure a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract, claiming Matlala had promised him a lucrative business future and early retirement.

- KAMOGELO MOICHELA

SUSPENDED Ekurhuleni metro police acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that he was close to businessman and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers

(OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers)

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, Mkhwanazi said he welcomed the idea, noting the close personal relationship he had with Matlala.

“We were close like that,” he told the commission, adding that he had repeatedly received money from Matlala.

He elaborated: “In fact, even on top of that, we had this arrangement with Ngamla [boss in this context].”

“When this SAPS thing gets approved, I will make you happy. I want you to resign. We had that...and I prayed for him, you see,” he said Matlala told him this.