A confidential investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), obtained by IOL, has uncovered serious allegations of corruption and fraud involving businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
The report — Boksburg CAS 262/03/2023, dated August 1, 2023, and signed by the Director of Investigations and Acting National Head of Investigations — details how Matlala allegedly orchestrated a scheme to unlawfully transfer ownership of four vehicles from the City of Ekurhuleni’s official fleet into the name of his private security firm, CAT VIP.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
The controversy surfaced in February 2023 after journalists questioned why CAT VIP was using EMPD vehicles and whether a formal agreement existed between the two entities.
IPID’s findings show that between January 18 and 24, 2023, the four vehicles were registered under the City of Ekurhuleni’s fleet. Yet by March 2023, records from the National Traffic Information System (Enatis) reflected a new owner: CAT VIP.
The City had already paid R2,218 in registration and licensing fees — costs later deemed unjustifiable since the cars were never delivered to the municipality.
Investigators concluded that Matlala, exploiting his influence, directed the fleet manager to push through the fraudulent registrations.
No Legal Basis for the Deal
The probe revealed that no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) existed between CAT VIP and the EMPD — despite earlier claims suggesting otherwise. According to the report, only the City Manager has authority to sign off on such agreements, not the Chief or Deputy Chief of Police.
“Based on the evidence, the state has a strong case against the suspect, as he acted unlawfully with full intent of corruption,” the report stated.
Recommended Action
IPID further recommended disciplinary steps against acting EMPD Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi for violating the Police Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement. The matter has also been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Official Responses
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed the allegations are under review.
“The City is cooperating fully with the authorities. Since the matter is before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, we cannot comment further until due process is complete,” he said.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping added that the case now falls within the scope of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Commission into policing and political interference. “The Commission should be allowed to complete its mandate,” she noted.
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