EKURHULENI — Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell brought him into the metro.
Matlala made the claim while testifying before the commission on Monday. He faced questions about his business dealings and his links to officials in Ekurhuleni.
According to Matlala, his connection to Ekurhuleni started through Campbell, who was mayor at the time.
He also told the commission that his company, CAT VIP Protection, provided security services linked to Campbell.
However, Matlala denied receiving any contract from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
He said his company did not receive payment for the security services. Instead, he described the work as assistance provided to Campbell.
Meanwhile, earlier testimony before the commission raised questions about Matlala’s relationship with senior EMPD officials.
In December 2025, suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi told the commission that he introduced Matlala to senior officials in Campbell’s office in Germiston.
Mkhwanazi also said CAT VIP Protection appeared in the security plan for Campbell’s State of the City Address.
The latest testimony has therefore renewed attention on Matlala’s links to Ekurhuleni officials.
Campbell has previously denied knowledge of an allegedly unlawful agreement involving Matlala’s company and the EMPD. She has also said that officials referred allegations of wrongdoing for investigation when they came to her attention.
The commission is examining allegations of corruption and criminal influence within law-enforcement structures.
As a result, Matlala’s relationships with politicians, police officials and other public figures remain under scrutiny.
However, Matlala’s claim about Campbell does not, by itself, prove that she unlawfully appointed him or awarded his company a municipal contract.
The commission will consider the evidence from Matlala and other witnesses before reaching its findings.
Matlala is also facing separate criminal proceedings. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
