Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala alleges that he handed former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya R280,000 in cash to facilitate the approval of a lease agreement for a hospital at the SAPS training academy in Pretoria West, with the money allegedly intended for then Deputy Minister of Public Works Bernice Swarts.
The allegations appear in a draft affidavit prepared by Matlala while in custody, detailing his alleged dealings with senior police officials and political figures in his efforts to secure government property for his healthcare business. The claims have not been established in court.
How the alleged payments were arranged
According to Matlala’s account, he had struggled for approximately two years to obtain approval for the hospital lease when Sergeant Fannie Nkosi allegedly told him that Sibiya could assist.
Matlala says he subsequently met Sibiya at his Centurion home in 2023. During the meeting, Sibiya allegedly told him that he had connections with Swarts, who was then the deputy minister of public works, and could arrange a meeting to discuss the lease.
Matlala claims Sibiya arranged for him to meet Swarts at her official residence, where she allegedly promised to assist him in securing the lease.
He further alleges that Swarts’ assistance was linked to two cash payments requested through Sibiya.
First payment: R80,000
Matlala claims Sibiya told him that Swarts needed R80,000 to purchase alcohol for a traditional ceremony.
He alleges that he handed the money to Sibiya in cash at OR Tambo International Airport, with the understanding that it would be passed on to the deputy minister.
Second payment: R200,000
Matlala further alleges that, a few days before the lease was approved, Sibiya requested another R200,000, purportedly to resolve the outstanding issues surrounding the agreement.
According to Matlala, he handed over the additional money at Sibiya’s home in Centurion.
The two alleged payments total R280,000.
The draft affidavit does not independently establish that Swarts requested or received either payment. Swarts has denied the allegations, saying she had never met Matlala and had not assisted him with the lease.
Matlala alleges profit-sharing arrangement with Sibiya
Beyond the alleged cash payments, Matlala claims that he agreed to give Sibiya a portion of the profits generated through the use of the hospital facility at the SAPS training academy.
The arrangement allegedly formed part of their dealings as Matlala sought to establish his healthcare business within government infrastructure.
The lease was eventually signed in mid-December 2023, according to Matlala’s account.
However, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has previously stated that although a lease agreement was concluded with Medicare24 Tshwane District, it did not progress to implementation and no financial value accrued from it. The department subsequently moved to terminate the agreement.
Allegations remain unproven
Matlala’s draft affidavit forms part of his account of how he allegedly used connections with senior police officials and government figures to pursue public-sector business opportunities, including a separate SAPS medical-services contract.
The allegations against Sibiya and Swarts remain allegations and have not been established in court. Swarts has denied involvement, while the broader claims concerning the lease and related dealings require independent verification.
The disclosure adds another layer to the questions surrounding the proposed hospital lease and Matlala’s attempts to secure a foothold in government healthcare contracts.
