C Max
1Min
South Africa
Dec 31, 2025
The recent secret relocation of controversial businessman, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has once again raised eyebrows over the real reasons behind his transfer from Kgosi Mampuri II in Pretoria to eBongweni Super Maxumum facility said to be the country's most secure and escape proof prison.
The Activists and Citizens Forum has expressed alarm over the recent and abrupt transfer of Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, the controversial business tycoon facing serious criminal charges, from the Kgosi Mampuru II maximum security facility to the eBongweni Super Maximum facility in Kokstad. This move, which reportedly took place last week, has raised significant concerns regarding the motivations behind the decision.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dennis Bloem, the spokesperson for the forum, underscored the timing of Matlala’s transfer. “Why now? We suspect that corruption between Vusimuzi Matlala and some corrupt Correctional Services officials is at play here. It cannot just be a haphazard decision. Something serious might have happened leading to this drastic decision,” Bloem remarked, highlighting the fraught nature of the transition.
Matlala, who has allegedly been involved in attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder, was moved to what is touted as South Africa’s most secure prison on 21 December 2025. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed the relocation, suggesting it adhered to standard operational procedures designed for managing inmate safety and security.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo clarified that the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders is a common practice within correctional facilities. "The transfer falls within standard operational practice, informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system," Nxumalo stated, aiming to address potential public concern over the move.
Prior to his transfer, Matlala had been incarcerated in the C-Max section of Kgosi Mampuru, a facility known for its high security. However, reports surfaced that officials discovered a cellphone in his possession, prompting questions about the integrity of the prison’s security measures.
As pressure mounts for clarity, Bloem insists on transparency from the Correctional Services Authorities. "Sooner or later, the country will know the truth, the reason why Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala was transferred to the Super Max Prison in Kokstad. Whilst we welcome this decision, we are calling upon the Correctional Services Authorities to be transparent and tell the country the reason for this decision," he declared.
The swift transfer of Matlala has not only reignited discussions surrounding alleged corruption within the ranks of Corrections Service but also has the potential to shake public confidence in the effectiveness of the judicial system. With concerns about transparency growing, the call for accountability echoes loud and clear within the community.
Also reacting to the transfer is Gcobani Ndzongana, the leader of the Land Party, who caled for more transparnecy in the high- profile relocation of Matlala.
"Thousands of prisoners are transferred daily to different prisons", and I never demand reasons. But in CAT Matlala's case, I demand reasons. Number 1, Vusumuzi CAT Matlala is a high-priority prisoner, and his crime is of public interest. We must be informed if Vusumuzi CAT Matlala is implicated in the murder of witness B - that's of public interest, as no prisoner can just be sent to C-Max in Kokstad without being involved in an extremely serious crime while he's inside the prison," he added.
