Task team swoops on Cat Matlala cronies in Gauteng raids

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team was on the prowl on Tuesday morning, arresting associates of controversial tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala across tne province.

The arrests are linked to a R1.2 million lease deal for a luxury, multi-million-rand apartment in Pretoria, according to sources in the SAPS.

National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe had not confirmed the arrests herself, however, Africa Daily can reliably reveal that one of the associates detained is suspected to be Given Makofane, known as Matlala’s driver and close confidant.

Makofane is no stranger to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

In June, his Pretoria East residence was raided and he was taken in for questioning by the task team.

He was later released. Testimony before the Madlanga Commission previously heard that Matlala had sought help from senior police contacts when Makofane was arrested for speeding, calling him “my blood brother” in WhatsApp messages recovered from Matlala’s phone.

Tuesday’s arrests are linked to allegations of fraud around how the Pretoria lease was secured.

According to investigators, bank statements were allegedly falsified to secure the lease agreement, with Matlala having allegedly applied using his Eswatini identity document.

The lease, valued at R95 000 per month according to court papers, forms part of a broader R1.2 million rental deal now under scrutiny.

The swoop marks the latest fallout from the sprawling Matlala empire.

Matlala himself is currently facing 25 counts including conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, and the attempted murders of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, and taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

He is also at the centre of the R360-million SAPS health services tender scandal that has already seen nine police officers suspended and 12 officers arrested.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that organised crime had infiltrated the justice system, has heard how Matlala allegedly cultivated close relationships with senior law enforcement figures, including KZN Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona and acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

The political links extend to his family.

Investigators are also probing Matlala’s wife, Tsakane Matlala, who is co-accused in the attempted murder case.

She has previously made headlines after allegedly scoring a R3.7-million Ekurhuleni municipality contract through a company she had controlled for just 10 days.

Tsakane has also been linked to claims that she posed as a Swazi princess.

Sources allege she faked royal connections to Eswatini to bolster business interests and facilitate applications linked to her husband, who himself used Eswatini documentation in the Pretoria lease deal.

The alleged false princess identity is now forming part of the broader fraud investigation.

Police have not yet released a formal statement on the arrests, but sources indicate that Makofane and at least one other associate are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court later this week on fraud charges.

The investigation continues.