EXCLUSIVE: Inside Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s capture of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department
An IPID report reveals alleged fraud involving Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
Image: Itumeleng English / IOL / Independent Media
A confidential report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), seen by IOL, has uncovered a disturbing case of alleged corruption and fraud implicating controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
The report, referenced as Boksburg CAS 262/03/2023 and dated August 1, 2023, is signed by the Director of Investigations and Acting National Head of Investigations.
It outlines how Matlala allegedly engineered a scheme to fraudulently transfer ownership of four city-owned vehicles from the City of Ekurhuleni’s fleet to his private security company, CAT VIP, circumventing proper procedures and regulations.
According to the IPID report submitted to the EMPD Chief of Police’s Office, the controversy began in February 2023 after a media query sought clarification on the use of EMPD vehicles by CAT VIP and whether a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) existed between the two entities.
IPID revealed that between January 18 and 24, 2023, four vehicles were initially registered under the City of Ekurhuleni fleet. By March 2023, however, ownership had inexplicably shifted on the National Traffic Information System (Enatis) to CAT VIP.
Significantly, the city incurred expenses amounting to R2,218 for the initial registration and licensing of these vehicles, a cost later deemed unjustified as the cars were never delivered to the municipality.
“It has been ascertained that the Chief of the EMPD was at the time acting as Deputy Chief of Police from October 15, 2021, to November 2, 2023, and further discovered that Chief of Police and Deputies do not have powers to enter into Memorandum of Understanding with external stakeholders, those powers are vested in the office of the City Manager, and the process has various stages it has to pass before it is signed off.”
IPID’s investigation found that Matlala, exploiting his position, instructed the City’s fleet manager to fraudulently register the vehicles under his private company, CAT VIP.
The report found no evidence of any Memorandum of Understanding between CAT VIP and the EMPD in the department’s archives, discrediting any claim of a formal agreement.
“There was no Memorandum of Understanding between CAT VIP and EMPD found in the archives of EMPD, meaning that there was a misrepresentation when such Memorandum of Understanding was referred to,” IPID stated.
IPID concluded that the unauthorised actions constituted fraud and corruption since Matlala misrepresented himself and the EMPD, authorizing vehicle registrations that unduly benefited his private enterprise.
“Based on the evidence collected, the state has a strong case against the suspect as he acted unlawfully with full intent of corruption as the CAT VIP unduly benefited as license fees of their vehicles were paid for by the City of Ekurhuleni.”
IPID revealed that disciplinary measures be taken against acting EMPD Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi for contravening the Police Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement.
It also stated that the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
When contacted, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe acknowledged the allegations.
“The City is already looking into these allegations through its internal processes and is cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
Mbengashe said the city’s commitment to due process and noted that since the matter is currently before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, the municipality would refrain from commenting publicly until that process concludes.
“Once the appropriate processes have run their course at the Commission, we will be able to provide a fuller public update,” Mbengashe said.
Asked about any actions taken since the report’s completion in 2023, IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping pointed to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recently instituted Commission investigating police services and political interference.
“IPID’s position is that the Commission should be allowed to proceed with its mandate. We will not comment on media enquiries falling within the commission's scope,” Suping.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics