'I felt sad for SAPS': Official testifies on cancelled millions-rand tender

A senior police official has told the Madlanga Commission she felt sad for the South African Police Service (SAPS) when it cancelled a multimillion-rand tender with controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

In June 2024, Matlala’s company, Medicare 24, was awarded a R360-million contract to provide medical services to police officers. However, the tender was later terminated after irregularities were flagged in the awarding process.

A few months after being awarded the tender, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala sent over R300,000 in cash to the sectional head for SAPS, Rachel Matjeng.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Matjeng has insisted she was in a romantic relationship with Matlala, and all the money and gifts she received from him were romantic gestures.

WhatsApp messages presented before the commission show that when Matlala’s contract with SAPS was cancelled, he complained to Matjeng.

“It was not sad for me. It was sad because as an organisation we are going to struggle as an organisation.”

Matjeng was asked whether she still felt sad after learning the contract was cancelled due to corruption.

“You are putting in a very difficult position because now my comment again will be putting my job at risk. (Laughs) I don’t want to comment.”

Matjeng is listed as one of five police officials referred for investigation by President Cyril Ramaphosa.