Claims linking Matlala to ‘John Wick’ and alleged multimillion-rand demands by senior police officials

Businessman Brown Mogotsie's testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Monday linked controversial businessman Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala to the figure known as “John Wick”.

Mogotsi’s testimony also revived allegations that senior police officials, including former minister Bheki Cele, had demanded multimillion-rand payments from Matlala from his R360m controversial tender.

Mogotsi said intelligence documents presented to then-police minister Cele in October 2018 had identified Matlala as the individual behind the name “John Wick”.

He said a report presented included Matlala’s photograph, ID number, criminal record details and information about withdrawn matters.

“Commissioners, John Wick is Vusimuzi ‘CAT’ Matlala,” Mogotsi said. “The report given to the minister in 2018 contained his picture, his ID number, previous convictions and pending cases.”

The commission also heard that despite Cele’s recent testimony that he met Matlala for the first time in December 2024 at Durban’s Beverly Hills Hotel, he had previously received the 2018 intelligence briefing about Matlala.

Cele confirmed to the commission that he stayed “for free” at Matlala’s penthouse but denied having any friendship or prior relationship with him.

Mogotsi further testified that during their interactions, Matlala claimed Cele and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola expected large payments from him as a service provider.

According to Mogotsi, Matlala said Masemola allegedly demanded R25 million, of which R5 million had already been paid, and Cele allegedly sought R10 million, of which R2 million had been paid.