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Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and Wife Face Life in Prison Over Alleged Hit Plots.Police say they have a watertight case agains...
20/07/2026

Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and Wife Face Life in Prison Over Alleged Hit Plots.

Police say they have a watertight case against alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, and their co-accused, who could face life imprisonment if convicted.

The trial is underway in the Johannesburg High Court, where the five accused face 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, fraud, and illegal firearm offences. Prosecutors allege Matlala orchestrated three failed assassination attempts targeting his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni, and music producer DJ Vettys.

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says investigators are confident the evidence will secure convictions. She revealed the investigation began after three alleged hitmen were arrested in the Armand Swart case, where police seized an AK-47 and two pistols. When the Political Killings Task Team took over, forensic analysis allegedly linked those fi****ms to more than 30 violent crimes across Gauteng.

Mathe says police have dismantled a sophisticated hit squad and believe the evidence presented in court will result in lengthy prison sentences, with life imprisonment a real possibility for the accused if found guilty.

Do you believe Cat Matlala and his wife will be convicted?

Is SAPS right to say they have a "watertight case"?

The arrest of four senior Ekurhuleni officials is a significant development, particularly because all four previously te...
09/07/2026

The arrest of four senior Ekurhuleni officials is a significant development, particularly because all four previously testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

It reinforces the commission’s central theme: that allegations of corruption and criminality within parts of the criminal justice system and local government require thorough investigation and, where evidence exists, prosecution.

Testifying before a commission does not imply guilt or innocence, but the subsequent arrests highlight how evidence emerging from commissions of inquiry can lead to criminal investigations.

The case also sends a broader message that no public official should be beyond scrutiny.

At the same time, it is important to remember that those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The South African Police Service confirms that four suspects were arrested overnight by the Commissions Recommendations Task Team during a takedown operation conducted in various parts of Johannesburg.

Those arrested include current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate's Court this morning.

“The SAPS will provide further details once the suspects have appeared in court.”

BREAKING NEWS: President Ramaphosa is set to extend the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry by another three months.
07/07/2026

BREAKING NEWS: President Ramaphosa is set to extend the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry by another three months.

BREAKING: Court Rejects 'Cat' Matlala Plea Deal Sentence, Proposes Tougher 12-Year Prison Term.The plea and sentence agr...
01/07/2026

BREAKING: Court Rejects 'Cat' Matlala Plea Deal Sentence, Proposes Tougher 12-Year Prison Term.

The plea and sentence agreement involving underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has hit a major hurdle after the court refused to approve the sentence negotiated between IDAC via the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the accused.

During proceedings, the magistrate ruled that the agreed sentence - 15 years' imprisonment with seven years suspended, leaving an effective eight-year prison term, was not a just sentence considering the seriousness of the offences.

The court described Matlala as the "kingpin" behind the fraud, corruption and money laundering scheme involving a South African Police Service tender worth more than R50 million. The magistrate found that Matlala was the mastermind who orchestrated the operation and personally arranged corrupt payments to officials.

Although the court acknowledged Matlala's willingness to cooperate with investigators and testify against senior officials allegedly linked to the case, it ruled that his cooperation could not outweigh the seriousness of his own crimes. The magistrate also questioned whether Matlala was genuinely remorseful, finding that his decision to assist authorities came only after he had already been arrested.

Instead of accepting the negotiated agreement, the court proposed what it considers to be a fair sentence. Under that proposal, Matlala would receive an effective 12-year prison sentence, along with strict conditions requiring him to cooperate fully with future prosecutions, testify honestly whenever requested, and remain in South Africa during the suspension period.

Importantly, Matlala has not yet been convicted or sentenced under this proposal.

The matter has now been adjourned to allow both the NPA and the defence to consider whether they accept the court's proposed sentence. If both sides agree, the court will proceed to convict Matlala and impose the revised sentence. If they do not agree, the plea agreement will fall away and the matter could proceed to trial.

Do you agree with the court's decision to reject the original plea deal?

Is a proposed 12-year sentence appropriate given the allegations in this case?

What do you think should happen if the NPA and the defence reject the court's proposal?

Madlanga Commission to Address Feroz Khan’s Scheduled Testimony First Tomorrow.The Madlanga Commission has confirmed tha...
30/06/2026

Madlanga Commission to Address Feroz Khan’s Scheduled Testimony First Tomorrow.

The Madlanga Commission has confirmed that the matter relating to Major-General Feroz Khan’s scheduled appearance will be the first item addressed when proceedings resume on Wednesday morning (tomorrow).

The announcement comes after Khan was shot in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Sunday night and remains in hospital recovering. Khan had been expected to testify before the commission on Wednesday as part of its ongoing inquiry.

What do you think, will Khan ever testify?

MKP MP Vusi Shongwe Tell Madlanga Commission He Rejected R10 Million Bribe and BMW from General Feroz Khan and Alleged A...
30/06/2026

MKP MP Vusi Shongwe Tell Madlanga Commission He Rejected R10 Million Bribe and BMW from General Feroz Khan and Alleged Associates.

MKP Member of Parliament Vusi Thulani Shongwe has made a series of explosive allegations while giving evidence before the Madlanga Commission.

During his testimony, Shongwe claimed he attended a meeting where the people he was with allegedly placed a video call to Feroz Khan. According to Shongwe, the conversation became tense after Khan allegedly questioned why he was being "pressured."

Shongwe also identified two men, Yusuf Katjee and Imran, as associates whom he linked to the cigarette business during his evidence before the commission.

The MP further alleged that, while serving on Parliament's ad hoc committee, he was offered a Checkers security contract worth R2 million per month. He claimed the offer later escalated to R10 million in cash, along with a BMW, but said he refused both.

According to Shongwe, those involved also claimed they could provide information relating to Generals Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Feroz Khan, and allegedly offered to arrange a face-to-face meeting with Khan in Sandton.

These claims were made by Shongwe under oath during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission. The allegations have not been tested in court, and those implicated have not been found guilty of any wrongdoing in relation to these claims.

What do you make of these allegations presented before the commission?

Should every claim made during the commission be independently investigated?

Do you believe this testimony could have significant implications for the commission's work?

June 30 Marches: Police Issue Traffic Warning as Protesters Demand Action on Illegal Immigration.Motorists travelling th...
30/06/2026

June 30 Marches: Police Issue Traffic Warning as Protesters Demand Action on Illegal Immigration.

Motorists travelling through Johannesburg and Pretoria today are being urged to prepare for major traffic disruptions as several legally approved protest marches take place across Gauteng.

The largest demonstrations are expected to focus on calls for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals, with thousands of participants anticipated throughout the day.

In Pretoria, supporters of the March and March movement will gather at Church Square from 10 a.m. before marching to Sunnyside Police Station. The route will pass along Paul Kruger Street, Francis Baard Street, Lillian Ngoyi Street, Madiba Street, Nelson Mandela Drive, Kotze Street, Van Boeschoten Avenue, Robert Sobukwe Street and Leyds Street.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has warned motorists that significant delays are expected and confirmed that no private vehicles will be allowed at the Church Square gathering point.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) says three approved marches will take place simultaneously in the inner city, Hillbrow and Midrand.

The largest Johannesburg procession, organised by March and March, is expected to attract around 5,000 participants. Marchers will travel from Beyers Naudé Square to Constitution Hill, where a memorandum will be handed to the Hillbrow Station Commander.

A second march, organised by the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO), will see about 1,200 participants march to the Department of Home Affairs to raise concerns about illegal immigration policies.

In Midrand, the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement is expected to lead a labour march calling for greater youth employment opportunities.

Authorities say integrated law enforcement teams, including metro police and public order policing units, will be deployed throughout the day to manage traffic, maintain public order and respond to any unplanned demonstrations.

Motorists have been advised to avoid affected areas where possible, expect rolling road closures between 07:00 and 16:00 and follow the instructions of traffic officers on the ground.

Do you support today's planned marches? Why or why not?

Do you think South Africa should take stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals?

If you're travelling today, have the road closures affected your journey?

Bombshell at Madlanga Commission: O'Sullivan Admits He Cannot Verify Louis Vuitton Claims Against Mkhwanazi and Masemola...
29/06/2026

Bombshell at Madlanga Commission: O'Sullivan Admits He Cannot Verify Louis Vuitton Claims Against Mkhwanazi and Masemola.

After months of making allegations against them, Private investigator Paul O'Sullivan has admitted that he cannot confirm whether Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi actually received luxury Louis Vuitton bags from an SAPS supplier.

O'Sullivan previously alleged in media interviews that the two senior police officials had received expensive gifts after an overseas trip. However, while testifying before the Mdlanga Commission, he acknowledged that he has not seen any sworn statement confirming the claim.

When questioned, O'Sullivan said he "wished he knew" whether such evidence existed. He explained that his information came from a SAPS source and that he had subpoenaed documents in an attempt to verify the allegations. According to him, SAPS declined to provide the requested records, saying they related to active criminal investigations.

O'Sullivan maintained that the refusal to release the documents suggested there was "something going on," but accepted that he had no direct evidence proving that Mkhwanazi or Masemola received the luxury bags.

Do you think O'Sullivan has any evidence for most of the allegations he makes?

Police Recover Secret Note About General Khumalo and Concealed Laptop After Attack on Feroz Khan.Major General Feroz Kha...
29/06/2026

Police Recover Secret Note About General Khumalo and Concealed Laptop After Attack on Feroz Khan.

Major General Feroz Khan's attempted assassination has taken another dramatic turn after investigators recovered a handwritten note and an HP laptop hidden inside his vehicle.

According to a police report, Khan was rushed into surgery after he was shot while driving in Houghton on Sunday evening. When officers arrived, they found his grey Suzuki Baleno parked on the side of the road.

Investigators discovered no bullet holes in the vehicle itself. Instead, they found a bullet impact on the road surface and recovered two spent cartridges nearby.

Police also recovered a handwritten yellow note at the scene. The note allegedly called for a case of defeating or contempt of court to be opened against Colonel Khorombi and General Khumalo, with the matter to be investigated by IDAC. Detectives are now treating the note as part of the evidence in the investigation.

During a search of Khan's vehicle, officers also found an HP laptop concealed inside the spare wheel compartment. It is not yet known why the laptop had been hidden there or whether it contains information relevant to the shooting or Khan's planned testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

The developments come as Khan's legal team questions why he was never provided with state security despite repeatedly warning authorities that he feared for his safety before he was due to testify at the commission this week.

Police are continuing to investigate the attempted murder and have not yet indicated whether the handwritten note or the laptop are directly linked to the attack.

What do you think the handwritten note could mean?

Why do you think the laptop was hidden in the spare wheel compartment?

Do these new discoveries raise more questions than answers?

BREAKING: Cat Matlala To Appear in Court Alone For Tender Case.Cat Matlala's Case Has Been Separated From High-Profile S...
24/06/2026

BREAKING: Cat Matlala To Appear in Court Alone For Tender Case.
Cat Matlala's Case Has Been Separated From High-Profile SAPS-Linked Proceedings Involving Brigadier Rachel Matjent and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

Matlala appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court today (Wednesday), where the court ordered that his matter be separated from the case involving his co-accused.

During proceedings, the magistrate confirmed that Matlala, together with two other accused, will no longer form part of the main case involving 17 accused persons. The trio will now face a separate case under a new case number.

The court further ruled that the matter be transferred to Pretoria Regional Court 19 in terms of Section 75(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act. Matlala is expected to make his first appearance in the regional court on Thursday, 25 June 2026.

The reasons behind the application to separate the matter were not discussed in open court during the brief proceedings and are expected to become clearer as the case moves forward.

Matlala remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
What do you think is behind the decision to separate Cat Matlala's case?
Could this development change the direction of the broader case?
What are your expectations for his appearance in the regional court tomorrow?

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