Commission Hears how Mkhwanazi and Matlala Shared Money and Influence

Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police chief Julius Mkhwanazi has detailed his close personal relationship with businessman Vusimusi “CAT” Matlala, telling the Madlanga Commission that he hoped Matlala would secure a multimillion rand South African Police Service contract that would set him up for early retirement.

Mkhwanazi testified on Thursday that he supported Matlala’s pursuit of the R360 million SAPS health risk management contract, describing a friendship in which the two frequently met and exchanged money. He said Matlala often provided him with funds for fuel, food or family emergencies, insisting these were not bribes but gestures between people who viewed each other as “like brothers”.

Although he initially minimised the amounts involved, Mkhwanazi later conceded that he had received more than R70 000 from Matlala. Transaction records presented to the commission showed a R20 000 payment from CAT VIP in May 2022, another R20 000 from Medicare24 Tshwane District in June 2022, and R30 000 from Black AK in December 2022. Mkhwanazi said the first payment was used to cover funeral expenses for his brother. Black AK, linked to Matlala, has previously been associated with the Tembisa procurement scandal.

Mkhwanazi denied fitting blue lights to Matlala’s vehicles or engaging in questionable financial dealings with businessman Mike Van Wyk. He confirmed that Van Wyk had offered to assist with school fees through a third party, but said the arrangement never materialised.

The commission is examining the R360 million SAPS contract awarded in June 2024 to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, for health risk management services including wellness screenings and injury assessments for police personnel. The contract was later cancelled by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola after an internal audit found several irregularities. The audit concluded that Medicare24 should have been disqualified at the initial evaluation stage due to missing documentation and alleged manipulation of its pricing schedule.

Mkhwanazi completed his two day testimony, which forms part of the commission’s broader investigation into procurement abuses and alleged corruption within the police service.