Cat's luxury watches 'missing' after raid

The person's allegations were corroborated by Matlala’s lawyer’s letter leaked to Sunday World by sources with deep contacts in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

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Two expensive wristwatches that police allegedly seized from murder-accused businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala during a raid on his residence have gone missing, and authorities have not explained their whereabouts.

The claims are corroborated by a letter on Monday written to the police by his lawyers, Victor Nkhwashu Attorneys.

A request has been made for the return of the luxury timepieces and Sunday World understands that the police have claimed ignorance, however, the matter is likely to come under the spotlight as the flamboyant businessman has threatened urgent legal action dealing generally with the lack of key disclosures from the law enforcement authorities.

The explosive titbits were revealed by several sources close to Matlala’s investigations, who alleged the police swooped on Matlala’s office and residence in December last year and confiscated several items. The items, said the person, include Matlala’s business firearms, mobile phones and jewellery.

The source said the phones and firearms were returned to Matlala in late December last year. “But the two luxury watches, which the police deny knowledge of, were not booked in the SAPS13 with the other items. The SAPS13 refers to an exhibit register police use for recording and managing seized or recovered goods.”