GAUTENG – Brigadier Rachel Matjeng has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that she was involved in a romantic relationship with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a revelation that has added a dramatic twist to the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and influence within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Matjeng, who serves as the Section Head for Quality Management: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management at the SAPS Forensic Services Division in Pretoria, appeared before the commission to explain her connection to Matlala. Her name was included on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s list of five senior officers flagged for further investigation following the commission’s interim report.
During her testimony, Matjeng confirmed that she and Matlala were romantically involved and said he gave her money and gifts while they were together. However, she strongly denied that these benefits were linked to any tenders or her official duties within the police service. According to her, the financial support and gifts began in 2017 and were simply part of their “on-and-off” relationship.
She told the commission that she knew Matlala as a businessman involved in several ventures, including CAT VIP and Medicare 24/7. Matjeng insisted that she never borrowed money from him and that anything she received was given in the context of a personal relationship, not as a reward for influence or favours.
“I received gifts and money from him because he was my boyfriend,” she explained, adding that none of it had anything to do with the awarding or execution of any tender. She also revealed that Matlala initially sent money directly to her bank account, but later asked for details of another account because he did not want his wife to discover their relationship.
Commissioners, however, raised concerns about the nature of the communication between the two. They questioned why the text messages exchanged between Matjeng and Matlala appeared more formal and business-like than romantic. This, they suggested, could point to the possibility that the relationship was being used as a cover for something more concerning.
The commission is attempting to establish whether Matjeng received money as a senior police official in exchange for favours, or whether the payments were, as she described, simply a “girlfriend allowance.” In response, Matjeng said she referred to Matlala as “Mr V,” while he called her “Diva,” and claimed their phone conversations were far more personal and affectionate than their text messages.
She was also questioned about payments Matlala allegedly made to a friend of hers. Although Matlala reportedly sent her proof of these payments, Matjeng denied that the money was intended for her or that she benefited from it in any way.
The commission has already heard about other individuals who allegedly received money from Matlala. In previous reports, it emerged that he told Members of Parliament in November 2025 that he had given money to Brown Mogotsi and claimed he had given former Police Minister Bheki Cele R500,000, a statement that contradicted Cele’s version of events. Additionally, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has admitted that he received money from Matlala.
As the Madlanga Commission continues its work, Matjeng’s testimony adds another layer to the complex web of relationships and allegations it is trying to untangle, raising fresh questions about ethics, influence, and accountability within the country’s law enforcement structures.
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