Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, accused of multiple counts of attempted murder, has been transferred to the eBongweni super-maximum facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. The move, which took place on December 21, was initially announced by the Department of Correctional Services as a result of a “security assessment.”
Concerns Over Potential Collusion
However, sources within the department allege the transfer stemmed from concerns that a senior correctional services official in Pretoria was compromised. According to these sources, there were “links” between the official and Matlala, and the official may have been involved in providing Matlala with a cellphone while in custody last year. Remand inmates, unlike convicted inmates, have unlimited visitation rights, and sources indicated Matlala was receiving an unusually high number of visits at Kgosi Mampuru II prison.
The department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, dismissed the allegations of collusion as having “no merit and no factual basis.” Nxumalo stated that the department does not publicly disclose details of security operations.
Security Risks at Kgosi Mampuru II
Further complicating the situation, sources indicated a potential security risk at Kgosi Mampuru II due to the large number of correctional officers stationed there who originate from Matlala’s hometown of Mamelodi. One source stated, “Many of the officials working at C-Max are from Mamelodi and that makes [Matlala] a security risk because he can easily get favours. This means the department doesn’t trust employed officials.”
There were also reports that Matlala feared for his life while incarcerated, reportedly asking warders to taste his food before he consumed it, fearing poisoning. Sources stated intelligence suggested a credible threat to Matlala’s safety.
Currently, Matlala is being held in the hospital wing of eBongweni, under the supervision of emergency services team members and managers. He is isolated from the general prison population.
Potential Implications for Upcoming Trial
Security specialist Willem Els of the Institute for Security Studies described eBongweni as a “modern and secure” facility with limited inmate interaction. Matlala is scheduled to appear in the Johannesburg High Court on January 29. Els suggested Matlala possesses information that could be damaging to numerous high-profile individuals, stating he “could implicate a lot of people and cause havoc with the information he has.”
Nxumalo reiterated that the department’s priority is the safety and security of all involved and that transfers are conducted based on ongoing security assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Matlala transferred to eBongweni?
The Department of Correctional Services stated the transfer was ordered as part of a “security assessment.” Sources allege the transfer was prompted by concerns about a compromised correctional services official and potential threats to Matlala’s life.
What is eBongweni Correctional Facility like?
According to Willem Els, a security specialist, eBongweni is a modern and secure “super-max” facility with single cells and limited inmate interaction, allowing only one hour of exercise per day without contact with other prisoners.
What charges is Matlala facing?
Matlala, along with his wife Tsakane and three co-accused, faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, related to shooting incidents between August 2022 and January 2024. One of the alleged attempted murders involved actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Given the allegations of internal compromise and the heightened security measures, what impact will these developments have on the integrity of Matlala’s upcoming trial?
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