Pretoria – Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, who revealed during her testimony at the Madlanga Commission that she was romantically involved with crime-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala when he gave her huge amounts of money, has been fired from the police.
At the time of the dalliance, Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was contracted to the South African police service (SAPS).
Brigadier Matjeng admitted receiving money and gifts from Matlala, including deposits into her own and a friend’s accounts.
She insisted these were personal gifts from a boyfriend, not bribes linked to the contract.
Brigadier Matjeng is currently part of the group of 16 accused in the R360 million SAPS tender corruption case involving the discontinued Medicare24 Tshwane District contract.
She is out on bail of R80 000, which was granted by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
Commenting on the dismissal on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Brigadier Matjeng went through a disciplinary process before she was fired.
“The dismissal follows the conclusion of an internal disciplinary process in which Brigadier Matjeng was found guilty on multiple counts of serious misconduct arising from her relationship with alleged underworld figure Cat Matlala,” the spokesperson said.
Matjeng, who was fired yesterday, Tuesday, 30 June 2026, was found guilty of various offences including:
- Accepting gratification;
- Money laundering;
- Improper conduct by advising Matlala against the interests of the South African Police Service;
- Conduct prejudicial to the administration of the SAPS by providing Matlala with a list containing details of police members with the intention of deriving a financial benefit; and
- Dishonesty.
Acting National SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has welcomed the dismissal of Matjeng.
Lieutenant General Dimpane said the outcome sends a clear message that corruption, criminality and any form of collusion with criminals have no place within SAPS.
