By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The underworld kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is separated from the main R360 million fraud and corruption case linked to the Medicare24 Tshwane District contract.
Matlala appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
During the proceedings, the State began by telling the court that Matlala is being separated from the SAPS fraud and corruption case linked to the Medicare 24 tender.
The state said the amount actually awarded and paid out was R228 million, and that the contract should never have been granted.
Matlala will undergo criminal proceedings alone, while the remaining co-accused—including suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and 12 senior police officers—will be tried separately.
He could turn the state witness when he appears in Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday to face charges of corruption, fraud and the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed talks with Matlala’s lawyers have concluded but remains mum about a possible plea deal.
“I can’t say there is one or not… it is not that you just agree between the two parties and sign. The magistrate has to sit, apply their mind and agree to that,” said Kganyago.
“Therefore, now that he has been separated, it means we can proceed with what we wanted, added Kganyago.”
The contract was awarded in June 2024 and cancelled in May 2025 after an internal audit flagged serious irregularities.
With the case now split, Matlala, along with his companies Medicare24 and Luxo Africa Brand Investments, will face the court independently on the 26 June 2026.