🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Vusimuzi Matlala remains in custody over irregular R360 million Saps health tender
via The Citizen2 min read
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged criminal kingpin and tenderpreneur, will remain detained at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre following his appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on April 20, 2026. The matter was postponed to May 13, 2026, to allow for consultations and for Matlala to instruct his attorney. The court granted the state’s request for his continued detention at Kgosi Mampuru. Matlala’s legal team is preparing a high court application to seek his permanent transfer to Embongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. When he returns to court, Matlala will be joined by 15 co-accused facing charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. These charges stem from the alleged irregular awarding of a R360 million contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala. He is accused of bribing top police officers, including generals, to secure the contract, which was awarded in 2024. The contract has been a focus of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary inquiry into crime networks within the South African Police Service and the country’s criminal justice system. Last November, Matlala explained how his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded the Saps health services contract. Although the contract was advertised for R360 million, R600 million was available in the Saps budget. Saps chief financial officer, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, informed Parliament’s ad hoc committee that
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Must ReadThe uMkhonto weSizwe Party MKP announced its intention to prioritize quality over cadre deployment when selecting mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Sibonelo Nomvalo, the party's secretary-general, stated that quality must supersede cadre deployment to avoid compromising service delivery, a pitfall he attributed to the ANC. Nomvalo emphasized that mayoral candidates must possess the ability to understand council reports, particularly those related to city budgets, highlighting the importance of experience, knowledge, and skills. He added that the party aims to deploy individuals who can effectively address the needs of the populace at the local government level. Regarding potential alliances, Nomvalo indicated that the MK Party would ideally collaborate with progressive, leftist parties following the elections. He also addressed and denied claims of factional battles within the party, despite recent suspensions of leaders, including the party's Chief Whip in parliament, Nthabiseng Mabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and previously the party's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Nomvalo asserted that enforcing discipline is crucial for the organization's principles and to prevent anarchy.
The cash-strapped Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality in North West has had 13 vehicles seized by a sheriff due to an alleged unpaid R4 million contract with Vimtsire Protection & Security Services. This action follows a default judgment related to a security contract that was terminated early, with Vimtsire providing services between 2020 and 2023. The municipality disputes the R4 million claim, stating the outstanding amount is closer to R2 million. Municipal manager Lekgetho Mokgatlhe called the incident unfortunate, noting that the municipality plans to settle the R2 million debt in the first week of July after receiving its equitable share allocation. A source within the municipality indicated that the sheriff seized all available municipal cars, as many were inoperable. Odirile Selomo, a local SA National Civic Organisation leader, stated that the dispute originated from the municipality's demand for Vimtsire to pay R4 million for stolen cables under their supervision, which the company refused. Ramotshere Moiloa DA councillor Imaan Sayed Suliman commented that this setback is negatively impacting service delivery and maintenance operations.
Members of the Lusthof community, north of Pretoria, are mobilizing against farm attacks and murders following the killing of a farmer on Monday morning. Farm crime activist Petrus Sitho has urged for immediate intervention and invited residents and acting police minister Firoz Cachalia to a safety meeting on June 13 to discuss the ongoing violence. Tshwane district SA Police Service spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that police responded to a house robbery and murder at a smallholding in Hammanskraal, where a 69-year-old white male was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Preliminary investigations indicate that three male suspects entered the main house, tied up the deceased's brother, and then shot the farmer when he opened his room door. The suspects stole household and garden items, fleeing in a silver Volkswagen Passat. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. AfriForum community safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk highlighted the government's silence on the 10 farm attacks and related violent incidents reported in May, emphasizing that the high levels of violence necessitate recognizing farm attacks as a unique and serious crime. Broodryk noted that victims, including farm workers, have been assaulted, tied up, and shot, with several attacks thwarted by local security and community safety structures.
The MK party has reinforced its leadership structures in Mpumalanga and the North West province in preparation for the local government elections on November 4. Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced that Deputy President Tony Yengeni will serve as the provincial election convener in Mpumalanga, supported by Lindi Mtshali, Qiniso Cibane, Bonginkosi Khumalo, and 15 other regional leaders. In the North West, national organiser Aleck Nkuna, Nomsa Diamil Nkateko Mkhabela, and 17 regional leaders have been deployed. Nomvalo addressed concerns raised by the March and March movement on immigration, stating that while the party is not formally aligned with the movement, it supports citizens' constitutional right to peaceful protest. He emphasized that immigration to South Africa must adhere to legal parameters and that illegal immigrants should seek voluntary repatriation. The party's national officials also discussed parliamentary processes regarding accountability and oversight concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the impeachment committee on the Phala Phala saga, reaffirming that no public office bearer is above accountability and calling for Ramaphosa to vacate office. The MK party expressed reservations about the appointment of Makashule Gana as Chairperson of the impeachment committee. Additionally, the party voiced support for Iran's call for peace in Gaza, demanding an immediate end to violence and protection for civilians, and urged Israel to declare a ceasefire. I