Zuko Komisa

- EFF leader Julius Malema has vehemently denied any association with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces serious charges including attempted murder and money laundering, dismissing social media rumours as “petty gossip.”
- Matlala’s legal troubles stem from allegations of orchestrating a criminal network, including an alleged assassination attempt on his ex-girlfriend and securing a questionable R360 million police tender.
- Malema used the opportunity to call for the removal of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, citing concerns over the handling of Matlala’s case and broader police inefficiencies
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has emphatically distanced himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently facing serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
Speaking to reporters in Polokwane yesterday, 16 July 2025, Malema dismissed persistent social media speculation linking him and his wife, Mantoa Matlala, to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as mere “petty gossip.”
“He must go rot in jail, I don’t know him,” Malema declared, underlining his complete disassociation from Matlala.
“I don’t even care about him. I’ve never had anything to do with him. So you take a petty gossip and you come and ask me about it. There are serious national issues that you must ask me about. I’ve got nothing to do with what is happening. When I speak, you all complain. When I keep quiet you all complain. I don’t know what you want now,” Malema said.
President Julius Malema on Vusi “Cat” Matlala; “he must rot in jail, I don’t know him…”
— Fighter 🇵🇸 (@NalediChirwa) July 16, 2025
😂♥️ pic.twitter.com/ngciDG1WK3
Matlala stands accused of orchestrating a criminal enterprise, reportedly involving an alleged assassination attempt on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, and securing a contentious R360 million tender with the South African Police Service.
His ongoing legal battles have garnered considerable public attention, with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi even alleging Matlala’s interference in police operations.
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