Matlala Inquiry: SAPS Brigadier’s ‘Romantic’ Link & Alleged Bribes

SAPS Brigadier Denies Bribe Claims, Details Romantic Relationship with Businessman at Center of Contract Controversy

Pretoria – A senior South African Police Service (SAPS) official testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, denying allegations that she received R300,000 in bribes from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, head of the quality management section for criminal record and crime scene management in the SAPS Forensic Services Division, acknowledged a romantic relationship with Matlala but insisted the payments were not connected to a controversial R360 million SAPS contract awarded to his company.

Matjeng told the commission the money was deposited into the bank account of Osizweni Meat Market, a butchery owned by her friend, Modiegi Kekana, after she provided Kekana’s details to Matlala. She explained that Matlala initially deposited funds into her own FNB account but requested an alternative to avoid his wife discovering their relationship and potentially jeopardizing her career within the SAPS.

The testimony comes amid scrutiny of the R360 million health services contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, in June 2024. The contract was later cancelled by national police commissioner Gen Fanie Masemola, citing alleged procurement irregularities. Matjeng was responsible for monitoring the performance of the health risk management contract.

According to Matjeng, her relationship with Matlala began in 2017 after a colleague shared her photograph with him via WhatsApp. She described their relationship as “on-and-off” and an “open secret” among her friends and family. She characterized Matlala as a “humble, respectful, and romantic person,” stating she never witnessed any indication of his alleged criminal activities.

Matjeng further testified that she attempted to recuse herself from any involvement with the tender process after Matlala’s company was awarded the contract, but her superior refused her request. She stated that Matlala “showered her with gifts and money,” characterizing these as gifts from a boyfriend, unrelated to influencing the tender process or its execution.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption, criminal ties, and conflicts of interest within the SAPS procurement process. Matjeng is among five officials who have been referred to law enforcement officials for criminal investigation, as there is reportedly prima facie evidence against them.

During her testimony, Matjeng reportedly struggled to recall the precise timeline of her relationship with Matlala, leading to questions from commissioners about the potential impact of her personal life on official duties. She opened her testimony by detailing her romantic involvement with Matlala, but faced challenges when asked to provide specific dates regarding the resumption of their relationship after his company secured the lucrative contract.

The commission continues to probe the details of the relationship and the flow of funds between Matlala and Matjeng, seeking to determine whether any undue influence was exerted in the awarding or execution of the R360 million tender. Matjeng maintains that the money and gifts received from Matlala were personal gifts and had no bearing on her professional responsibilities.