The Special Commercial Court in Pretoria has rejected the sentence proposed in the plea agreement of convicted fraudster, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala (49), and is recommending a sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment. Matlala pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
As part of the process, he has agreed to testify as a State witness on issues arising from the investigation and is expected to testify against other individuals involved. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected soon.
The Court modified the proposed sentence as follows:
• Fraud: 15 years imprisonment, seven years of which are suspended under the condition that Matlala: Testifies in all future proceedings related to this matter; He gives full, truthful and honest testimony; nor does he refuse to testify or retract any previous statements.
• Corruption: 10 years in prison, this sentence will be concurrent with the 8 year sentence for fraud.
• Money laundering: 10 years in prison, which will also be added to the already calculated sentences.
All in all, the Magistrate said that Matlala should be imprisoned for 12 years.
His case has been adjourned to 13 July 2026 as his lawyers want to meet with the government to expel the new sentence introduced by the Magistrate.
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