By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A forensic report has cleared the African National Congress (ANC) Treasurer General (TG) Dr Gwen Ramokgopa following a series of social media allegations linking her to an alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The controversy began when a series of anonymous messages started circulating on X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp groups, and even being shared with media outlets. These posts alleged that Ramokgopa had benefited from illicit funds connected to Matlala, whose name has surfaced in several corruption scandals.
Ramokgopa is seen as one of the governing party’s most respected and scandal-free leaders.
In a move to clear her name, the Progressive Business Forum (PBF), which Ramokgopa chairs, launched a forensic investigation into the allegations.
PBF had enlisted the services of Tayfin Forensic Auditors to trace the origins of the disinformation.
The Auditors released the findings of its investigations on Friday, 10 October 2025.
The report confirmed that the narratives in social media are faceless, false and malicious against the PBF, its Chairperson Ramokgopa and the associates.
It also confirms that there is no evidence, whatsoever that links Ramokgopa, the PBF and associates to individuals currently facing the criminal charges or identified as persons of interest in criminal investigations.
Further the PBF, denies receiving any ill-gotten funds and should such should come to its attention, the shall be consequences including corporation with law enforcement agencies.
The report found all these claims to be without merit and in light of the outcome, the PBF will be taking legal action to protect its reputation.
PBF further called on the public not to disseminate these falsehoods and the entity remains committed to transparency, accountability and principles of a just democratic South Africa.
Matlala’s name has been linked to several high-profile controversies. His company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, once landed a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract that was later cancelled after being found to have been irregularly awarded.
He is in custody and faces money laundering charges as well as allegations of orchestrating a botched hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Matlala’s network stretches into political circles, even been mentioned in connection with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, through a mutual associate, Brown Mogotsi.
The allegations against Ramokgopa come at a time when the ANC is trying to restore public confidence and trust.
Meanwhile the controversial blogger Musawenkosi “Musa” Khawula has issued a public apology after making damning allegations about actress Connie Ferguson and businessman Joseph “Groovin” Nchabeleng being in a relationship.
On his social media platfoms Musa wrote, “WhatsApp messages have revealed that Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala made regular cash drops in Waterkloof, at the residence of another Pretoria born and bread businessman Groovin Nchabeleng.”
He further alleged that monthly payments of R2 million were facilitated by Matlala and handed over to Grooving [sic] Nchabeleng in a scheme intended to buy political protection for the Matlala empire and to secure its interests in Tshwane and other municipalities.
“Private messages between Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala and Groovin Nchabeleng, who is the right hand man of Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, indicate that Groovin Nchabeleng was facilitating security contracts for Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala at Sanral where Groovin Nchabeleng is currently making R12m a month through irregular PR contracts and at Acsa to safeguard the country’s airports.”
Nchabeleng took legal action, issuing a cease-and-desist letter to gossip blogger. He was instructed to retract his defamatory posts and issue a public apology to Nchabeleng.
Khawula in an attempt to avoid jail and lawsuit, he issued an unreservedly apology, which read as follows:
“I Musa Innocent Khawula Between 1 and 8 October 2025 I made false, malicious and defamatory statements about Mr Joseph Groovin Nchabeleng. I further falsely stated that Mr Nchabeleng is associated with and linked to Vusi “Cat” Matlala.
I stated that he is involved in corruption and malfeasance and that he is associated with notorious and criminally accused individuals. I falsely stated that Mr Nchabeleng facilitates security contracts for Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
I falsely stated that Mr Nchabeleng is a business partners with Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala. I naively characterised his relationship with business partner Connie Ferguson. I falsely stated Mr Nchabeleng makes about R12 million per month through irregular PR contracts.
I fully appreciate that my actions and statement cuased harm and enfringed on Mr Nchabeleng rghts and dignity. I therefore unconditionally withdraw these statements and unreservedly apologise for making them and for any harm caused to Mr Nchabeleng. I had no valid basis whatsoever for making these statements about Nchabeleng. I fully apologise for my statements and posts,” he said.
The outcome of the forensic report is likely strengthen Ramokgopa’s image as a leader who stands above political games, something the ANC desperately needs ahead of the next election cycle.