Johnathan Paoli
A senior police officer has told the Madlanga Commission she had an “on and off romantic relationship” with businessman and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose R360-million police health services contract is being scrutinised by commissioners.
SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, Section Head for Quality Management: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management in the SAPS Forensic Services Division, is appearing as an implicated witness before the commission, which is led in evidence by Advocate Thabang Pooe.
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The commission is probing allegations that senior police officials improperly facilitated or benefited from Matlala’s Medicare24 contract.
From the outset of her testimony, Matjeng focused on her personal relationship with Matlala, saying they became involved in 2017 and that the relationship continued intermittently until his arrest. She described the relationship as “an open secret” among people close to them.
“The romantic relationship was well known to the close people in my circle and it was an open secret that we were in an on and off relationship. During our relationship I knew Mr Matlala as a businessman,” Matjeng said.
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Matjeng said all gifts and money she received from Matlala were linked to their private romantic relationship and not to procurement decisions. According to Matjeng, Matlala initially deposited money into her FNB account and later asked for an alternative account so his wife would not find out, while adding he did not want the gifts to jeopardise her career.
Her admission forms a key part of the inquiry, after News24 previously reported that Matlala channelled payments routed through third-party proxy companies that appeared to benefit high-ranking SAPS officials, including Matjeng and Captain Brian Cartwright.
Cartwright served in procurement management and sat on the evaluation committee that handled the Medicare bid.
Pressed on whether she influenced any stage of the tender process, Matjeng reiterated that she “played no role” in the awarding of Medicare’s contract and said she had no authority to approve tenders in her current portfolio, a position she has held since October 2023.
Matjeng said she disclosed her relationship with Matlala to her superior and asked whether she should recuse herself from any responsibilities involving his contract. According to her, the supervisor told her the contract formed part of her duties.
However, WhatsApp communications and documented interactions between Matjeng and Matlala form part of the commission’s evidence. Matjeng confirmed exchanging messages with Matlala about issues relating to the contract. She also confirmed attending meetings at Medicare offices, but said their discussions frequently included “private matters.”
Matjeng testified that Matlala raised operational complaints with her, including delayed SAPS payments and alleged “300 no-shows” by police officers booked for medical appointments — allegations she disputed.
She further testified that Matlala phoned her after she received a non-performance letter from SAPS, again discussing “challenges” facing Medicare’s rollout.
The commission continues.
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