Registration of Cat Matlala's security firm marred by irregularities
Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
THE Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has suspended eight officials after a preliminary investigation uncovered serious procedural and governance failures in the registration process of CAT Protection and Security (Pty) Ltd and its director Vusi Matlala.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia’s spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the investigation revealed instances of non-compliance, improper approvals, and failures to act on clear indicators of criminality.
She said such failures compromised regulatory integrity and posed risks to public safety and national security.
“Such conduct undermines the Authority’s statutory mandate to ensure that only fit and proper persons are permitted to operate in the private security industry,” she said.
Mogotsi said the minister has directed PSiRA to take comprehensive corrective action to restore confidence in the sector and to strengthen oversight systems by launching a forensic investigation into the registration of CAT Protection and Security (Pty) Ltd and the individual registration of Matlala, as well as into the role of all persons involved.
He also wants an audit of all external training providers implicated in or connected to the training and certification of Matlala.
Other actions include a governance and compliance audit of all applications processed under the current governance structures, a focused review of all registrations where individuals with multiple or serious criminal records were approved and a targeted audit of applications linked to the “Big Five” referenced in the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report on the Tembisa Hospital tender fraud, among others.
“The private security industry plays a vital role in public safety and national security. Any lapse in integrity within its regulation endangers the trust of the people and the credibility of the state. The steps we are taking will ensure that PSiRA operates with integrity, transparency, and professionalism,” said Cachalia.
Cape Times