Johannesburg – Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the jailed businessman, who is the subject of the Madlanga Commission and Parliamentary inquiry into wrongdoing in the police, has been relocated to a maximum-security prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.
Matlala had been remanded in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) on a matter of attempted murder of his former socialite girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Matala was arrested on 14 May 2025.
He was later moved to the C-Max section of the Pretoria facility after he was caught with a cellphone.
Matlala has since been accused of serious crimes and corruption involving the police, which are under probe by the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
The commission of inquiry is charged with investigating criminality, political Interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed that Matlala was transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to eBongweni Correctional Facility.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the department confirmed that Matlala was moved on 21 December 2025, but did not give any reasons for the move.
“Given the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews, or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer,” said spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
He, however, explained that the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities was a standard operational practice, informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.
“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998), the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant,” said Nxumalo.
“This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands.
“The core mandate of the Department is to ensure that all correctional facilities are safe, secure, and conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes.”
Nxumalo said in this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials, and the broader correctional environment remain paramount.
“Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence,” he said.
“It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services.
“All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.”
