‘I prayed for Matlala’s R360 million SAPS tender’: Julius Mkhwanazi tells Madlanga Commission
Suspended EMPD acting Julius Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that he was close tycoon Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, said he prayed for tycoon Vusimusi “CAT” Matlala to secure a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract, claiming Matlala had promised him a lucrative business future and early retirement.
Testifying at the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, Mkhwanazi said he welcomed the idea, noting the close personal relationship he had with Matlala.
“We were close like that,” he told the commission, adding that he had repeatedly received money from Matlala.
He elaborated: “In fact, even on top of that, we had this arrangement with Ngamla [boss in this context].”
“When this SAPS thing gets approved, I will make you happy. I want you to resign. We had that… and I prayed for him, you see,” he said Matlala told him this.
While Mkhwanazi admitted receiving multiple payments from Matlala, he denied that they were bribes, claiming the funds were meant for petrol, food, or personal emergencies.
He initially downplayed the amounts but later acknowledged receiving over R70,000, despite previously stating the maximum was between R15,000 and R20,000.
“Yes, we had lunch, suppers, we met regularly. Sometimes he would give me money for petrol or borrow money from me. We are that close… he was never negative to me, only very positive.
“The only thing that stopped the communications was fear… but we were very, very close. I treated him like a brother… we were like blood brothers,” Mkhwanazi testified.
Advocate Mahlape Sello SC, evidence leader at the commission, presented transaction records showing a R20,000 payment from CAT VIP on May 5, 2022, another R20,000 from Medicare24 Tshwane District on June 18, 2022, and R30,000 from Black AK on December 10, 2022.
Mkhwanazi explained that the first payment was to fund his brother’s funeral.
Black AK, linked to Matlala, has previously been implicated in the Tembisa looting scandal.
Mkhwanazi denied ever physically fitting Matlala’s vehicles with blue lights.
He also rejected claims of financial dealings with Mike Van Wyk, though he acknowledged Van Wyk had offered to help with school fees via a third party.
According to Mkhwanazi, this never materialised.
The R360 million SAPS contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, has been under intense scrutiny for corruption.
The three-year contract, granted in June 2024, covered health risk management services for SAPS personnel, including wellness screenings and injury assessments.
However, National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, cancelled the deal, citing irregularities.
An internal audit found that Medicare24’s bid should have been disqualified during the initial phase due to multiple discrepancies, including missing documents and alleged manipulation of the pricing schedule.
Mkhwanazi has concluded his two-day testimony.
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