Former metro official lifts lid on Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s alleged car registration scam
Testimony from Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission has unveiled alarming allegations regarding Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, suggesting that various luxury vehicles linked to him were improperly registered as belonging to the state.
These claims bring to light significant concerns about corruption, interference, and how Matlala appeared to operate without oversight for an extended period.
Xolani Nciza, a former Ekurhuleni Metro official, corroborated these accusations in a discussion with eNCA, detailing the manner in which the scheme was executed.
“The investigation indeed revealed that there was some malfeasance that had happened. That was orchestrated through an alleged donation that Cat Matalala’s company had made to the municipality,” Nciza noted.
He clarified that while no actual donation was made, a fake letter facilitated the registration of vehicles such as a BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, and VW Golf GTI under the municipality prior to their transfer to CAT VIP Protection.
Nciza also claimed that attempts to take action against Major-General Julius Mkhwanazi, the then Director of Specialised Services, were obstructed.
Even though the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) identified misconduct, higher-ups allegedly prevented any action from being taken, allowing Mkhwanazi to evade repercussions.
Nciza characterized the situation as indicative of “the capture of the municipality” and expressed his willingness to provide evidence to the commission.
The revelations have prompted intense discussions among South Africans, who are now seeking clarity regarding Matlala’s influence and the alleged manipulation of the system.
