Cat Matlala swaps luxury suits for a low-key Burberry look as he faces parliament

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala made an unexpected sartorial shift when he appeared before Parliament this week, trading his usual high-end fashion for a muted and understated outfit. Known for arriving in court draped in luxury labels, Matlala has built a reputation for wearing Dolce and Gabbana suits and flaunting a sapphire-studded Rolex worth millions. His entrances often looked more like a red-carpet moment than a legal obligation, turning his appearances into a spectacle that blended scandal with style.

This time, the scene was strikingly different. Instead of the bold tailoring and Italian fabrics that had come to define his public persona, Matlala stepped into the hearing room at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre wearing a crisp white shirt and beige trousers. The neutral tones softened his usual bravado and immediately caught the attention of observers who have become accustomed to his flair. The simplified look suggested a deliberate attempt to project seriousness at a moment when his legal and political troubles continue to deepen.

Matlala’s courtroom image has long been scrutinised, with critics arguing that his lavish wardrobe was crafted to signal power and influence even while he faced allegations of attempted murder, money laundering and corrupt business dealings. His previous court appearances, punctuated by dramatic fashion choices and jewellery that made headlines on their own, often drew more focus than the charges he was answering to. This latest appearance, however, moved in the opposite direction, lifting the spotlight from luxury to restraint.

Fashion analysts and political commentators alike noted that the toned-down look appeared to be a calculated shift rather than a spontaneous decision. As Matlala sat before MPs during the inquiry, the absence of designer labels removed the usual theatrics and forced attention back onto the substance of his testimony. For a man who has frequently used style as a form of communication, the change spoke louder than his wardrobe alone. It signalled an acknowledgment of the gravity of his situation and an awareness that opulence might no longer serve him in the public arena.