- Intro: High-profile remand detainee ‘Cat’ Matlala was secretly transferred to Ebongweni Supermax Correctional Facility on December 30, 2025. The private transfer has sparked public shock and questions in South Africa. Matlala is linked to a R360-million police health services tender despite being investigated for procurement fraud in the Tembisa Hospital scandal. He also faces charges for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. The transfer underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating his case.
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a high-profile figure embroiled in multiple scandals, was controversially transferred to the maximum-security Ebongweni Supermax Correctional Facility in Kokstad on December 30, 2025. The private nature of the transfer has raised eyebrows across South Africa, with many questioning the reasons behind the lack of public disclosure. Authorities, however, stated that such transfers are standard operational practice, driven by security, safety, and inmate management considerations.
Matlala’s notoriety stems from his alleged involvement in significant corruption. A News24 investigation titled ‘9 Lives’ extensively detailed his business dealings, linking him to the alleged capture of the police force by KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He is accused of securing a R360-million police health services tender through a shelf company, even while under investigation for procurement fraud related to the staggering R2.3-billion Tembisa Hospital looting scheme, a scandal initially exposed by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
Adding to his legal woes, Matlala faces separate criminal charges for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, earlier in the year. The move to the highly secure Ebongweni Supermax underscores the gravity with which authorities are treating his case, which intertwines alleged high-level corruption with violent crime.
Timeline
- Earlier in 2025: Matlala arrested for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.
- October 2025: Whistleblower Babita Deokaran exposes Matlala’s alleged involvement in Tembisa Hospital looting (prior to her assassination).
- December 30, 2025: Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is secretly transferred to Ebongweni Supermax Prison.
Key Players
- Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala: High-profile remand detainee facing corruption and attempted murder charges.
- Department of Correctional Services South Africa: Responsible for inmate transfers.
- Babita Deokaran: Murdered whistleblower who exposed Tembisa Hospital scandal.
- Tebogo Thobejane: Matlala’s ex-girlfriend, victim of alleged attempted murder.
- Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi: KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, allegedly linked to Matlala.
