Phahlane clarifies his relationship with Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala during parliamentary inquiry

Former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane has told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he met Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala at a spa in Pretoria, but denied knowing that Matlala was involved in any wrongdoing.

Phahlane appeared before the committee after forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan left proceedings on Thursday, saying he had to catch a flight before completing his testimony.

The committee is investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner.

Phahlane confirmed that he knows Matlala, who was implicated by Mkhwanazi during an explosive media briefing in July 2025. 

Mkhwanazi alleged corruption, interference in the justice system and the shielding of criminal networks within SAPS.

“First, I know Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. He’s a young man from Pretoria. He comes from Mamelodi,” Phahlane said.

Phahlane confirmed that he is also from Mamelodi.

He also confirmed that he knows Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a senior official in the forensic services division. 

Matjeng previously admitted to a romantic relationship with Matlala in testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

“I know Brigadier Rachel Matjeng. She is someone I worked with. The only reason I know Cat is because the two of them were in a relationship,” Phahlane said.

He said he met Matlala only after learning of the relationship and stressed that their encounters did not take place during his tenure in office.

“I was long out of office. My meetings with him had absolutely nothing to do with what is happening in the police or in government,” he said.

Phahlane said he encountered Matlala at a spa and adjacent restaurant in Pretoria, near where he lives.

“On more than one occasion, when I was at the restaurant after a spa session, he would either be coming in or going out. So I definitely met Cat,” he said.

Asked by evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC whether he knew about Matlala’s business interests, including the Cat VIP Protection security company, Phahlane said he was aware Matlala was involved in the security business but knew no details.

“I can’t even tell you where the company is. All I know is that he is in business. What other businesses he’s doing, I really have no clue,” he said.

Phahlane said Matlala typically moved with a convoy and security, which he assumed were VIP protectors.

Arendse referred to a WhatsApp exchange in which Matjeng allegedly offered to arrange a meeting between Phahlane and Matlala. 

Phahlane said he first met Matlala around 2018 or 2019.

“When I met him, he provided information on what was developing. It was a security issue, which I appreciated. That was then,” he said, adding that he had not had regular contact with Matlala.

Arendse also asked about testimony by suspended deputy national police commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya, who previously told the committee that Matlala was known in SAPS circles and had been seen at the SAPS college because of services he rendered.

Phahlane responded, “Yes, he would know him,” but maintained that his own meetings with Matlala were unrelated to police business.

“The first time I met Cat was somewhere in 2018 or 2019. I met him at a restaurant after coming from a spa. It had nothing to do with any business with the police,” he said.

Phahlane said he met various public figures socially, including O’Sullivan and former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, and rejected suggestions that meeting Matlala implied impropriety.

“I had no meeting with Mr Matlala on anything that has anything to do with the work of the police,” he said.

Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded a R360m SAPS health services contract. 

The contract was later terminated after being flagged as irregular.

Matlala has been linked to the alleged interference in SAPS matters and other controversies.

Pressed on whether he had questioned Matlala’s business dealings or connections to senior police management, Phahlane said he did not profile people he encountered socially.

“These are human beings that you meet. You greet where you need to greet,” he said.

Phahlane was dismissed from SAPS in 2020 following a three-year suspension over allegations of corruption and misconduct. 

“I have never had dealings with Mr Matlala on any business with the police,” Phahlane told the committee. 

“I have met him where I have met him – in a restaurant in Pretoria. His relationship with – management of the police has nothing to do with me.”

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