By Thapelo Molefe
Tenderpreneur, alleged underworld kingpin and attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria to the eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, the country’s most secure prison and one of the most advanced correctional facilities on the continent.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed the transfer, which took place on 21 December. He said the movement of remand detainees and sentenced offenders is standard operational practice, guided by security, safety, and effective inmate management.
“Transfers are informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system,” Nxumalo said.
He added that under Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner has the legal authority to detain offenders at any correctional centre, regardless of the warrant.
Nxumalo stressed that the move does not affect Matlala’s legal rights or access to services. Court appearances and other legal processes will continue as scheduled, while security measures are maintained to protect detainees, staff, and the correctional environment.
eBongweni, a super-maximum security facility, is designed for high-risk inmates under strict protocols. It is widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced prisons in Africa, capable of handling high-profile and dangerous detainees.
The department declined to discuss specific security reasons behind Matlala’s transfer, citing the sensitive nature of such decisions.
Nxumalo reiterated that the priority remains to ensure correctional facilities are secure, safe, and humane, while providing rehabilitation and care programmes.
Matlala, whose alleged links to organised crime and ongoing murder case have attracted intense public scrutiny, remains a remand detainee as his legal proceedings continue.
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