Madlanga Commission | Matjeng says she stepped in to stop SAPS bleeding millions to her ‘lover’ Cat Matlala

Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the Madlanga Commission that her intervention in the SAPS’ R360 million health contract was to stop SAPS from losing even more money to her lover, alleged cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Testifying on Friday, Matjeng acknowledged that she was romantically involved with Matlala at the time his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was contracted to provide health services to SAPS members.

But she insisted her actions were not improper — and were instead aimed at preventing fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The contract, awarded in June 2024, later became mired in controversy and was cancelled in May 2025 following allegations of serious irregularities.

At the centre of Matjeng’s testimony was a disputed claim for “non-arrivals” — SAPS members who allegedly failed to pitch for medical assessments.

Matlala, she said, intended to submit a claim for 337 non-arrivals when SAPS records showed only 140.

“My concern was that SAPS should not suffer financial loss,” Matjeng told the commission. “If that claim had gone through, the service would have paid for people who were never entitled to be claimed for.”

Matjeng admitted she exchanged a name list with Matlala, arguing that the information did not form part of an invoice and fell within her responsibilities.

She maintained that she acted to correct an inflated claim before it reached the payment stage.

But co-commissioner Sesi Baloyi was unconvinced, bluntly questioning why Matjeng involved herself in a process outside her mandate.

“You didn’t have to get involved,” Baloyi said. “You are not the contract manager. The SAPS system would have picked it up and corrected it.”

Matjeng pushed back, saying SAPS systems were not infallible.

She warned of administrative delays and errors, especially when claims involved completion of the required Certificate of Fitness, which depends on medical test results and multiple approvals.

Beyond the contract itself, Matjeng also confirmed her personal relationship with Matlala — a disclosure that has intensified scrutiny of her conduct.

She told the commission that Matlala showered her with gifts during their relationship, including flowers, chocolates and lunch outings.

She further admitted that she sometimes received cash from him.

While she did not disclose the total amount received, Matjeng acknowledged that money did change hands, a concession that drew sharp attention from commissioners.

Matlala’s company ultimately lost the lucrative contract, with SAPS citing irregularities as the basis for its cancellation.

The Madlanga Commission has adjourned for the week and Matjeng has concluded her testimony.

The commission is expected to resume on Monday.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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