The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that high-profile remand detainee Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been moved to South Africa’s most secure facility, the Ebongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.
The transfer, which took place on December 21, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the management of the businessman and alleged underworld figure. Matlala was previously held at Pretoria’s Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
Why the Move to Super-Max?
The DCS cited Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act of 1998 as the legal basis for the relocation. While officials maintain the move is part of “standard operational practices” aimed at ensuring security and effective inmate management, Ebongweni is reserved for the country’s highest-risk individuals.
Key Factors for the Transfer:
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Security Risk: Ebongweni is South Africa’s only super-maximum-security prison, designed for intensive oversight.
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Operational Integrity: The move is intended to prevent potential security breaches or undue influence within the prison system.
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Safety: Protecting both the detainee and the staff within the correctional environment.
Officials emphasized that despite the strict conditions at Ebongweni, Matlala’s presumption of innocence remains intact, and the move will not prejudice his legal rights or access to upcoming court proceedings.
The Charges: A Timeline of the ‘Cat’ Matlala Case
Matlala, a prominent “tenderpreneur” known for his significant government contracts, was arrested in Midrand in May 2025. He stands accused of orchestrating a 2023 botched hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane.
He allegedly paid R150,000 to hitmen to carry out the attack. His co-accused include Musa Kekana and Tiega Floyd Mabusela.
Legal Milestones:
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May 2025: Arrested by Crime Intelligence in Midrand for the attempted murder of Tebogo Thobejane.
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July 11, 2025: Case postponed in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court; additional charges were added to the docket.
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August 26, 2025: Further postponement granted for a formal bail hearing.
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October 27, 2025: Bail Appeal Denied by the Gauteng High Court, keeping him in remand detention.
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November 2025: Matlala testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, alleging deep-seated police-criminal links.
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December 21, 2025: Officially transferred to the Ebongweni Super-Max facility.
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December 30, 2025: DCS issues a formal media statement confirming the relocation amid surging public interest.
Controversies and Public Reaction
The case took a dramatic turn in November 2025 when Matlala testified before a Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. He claimed his arrest was a retaliation for ceasing “undisclosed payments,” sparking a national conversation about the intersection of police networks and organized crime.
A Divided Public
The transfer has ignited social media, with over 40,000 views on official statements within hours.
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Supporters of the move view it as a necessary step to curb the influence of powerful figures within the justice system.
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Critics argue that placing an unsentenced individual in such restrictive conditions is punitive and complicates trial preparations.
“The transfer underscores our effort to manage high-profile detainees where there are concerns over influence and security breaches,” a DCS representative noted.
