From Mansions to Maximum Security: Crime Kingpin's Prison Blues!
Johannesburg - Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, the alleged crime kingpin, is experiencing a stark contrast to his former life of luxury. He's traded his lavish mansions for a cramped cell in Kgosi Mampuru C-Max, a maximum-security prison, sharing space with infamous inmates like Thabo Bester and Radovan Krejčíř.
The Pretoria businessman, accused of orchestrating a network of corruption, violence, and tender fraud, now finds himself navigating the realities of prison life. He's reportedly lodged complaints about his belongings following a recent raid.
Matlala faces serious charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. His legal troubles escalated after being linked to Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in a controversial claim by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Accused of plotting the murder of his ex-girlfriend, laundering millions, and securing a questionable R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender, Matlala's arrest followed a high-profile police investigation.
Gone are the days of luxury cars and flamboyant glasses. Matlala now dons a yellow jumpsuit and lives in a small cell with a combined stainless-steel toilet and sink, mirroring the conditions of Bester and Krejčíř.
Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale acknowledged Matlala's concerns regarding his assets but indicated limited options for addressing them at this stage. “He knows how he needs to channel the request. The same with Thabo Bester, he made a request, and the last time I was here, he submitted something to me in writing.”
Matlala remains under heavy guard in one of Africa's most secure prisons as he awaits his next court appearance on Friday. The case continues to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention.