Businessman Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has pleaded guilty to all charges against him in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Matlala admitted guilt to charges including corruption, fraud and money laundering linked to a R228 million contract awarded to his company by the South African Police Service.
He also entered a guilty plea on behalf of his company, Medicare 24.
During proceedings, the court asked Matlala how he pleaded to the fraud count relating to the tender.
According to court proceedings:
Judge: “Yourself as accused number one pertaining the count of fraud involving a certain bid in respect to a tender to the value of R228 million, as accused number one, how do you plead to this count?”
Matlala: “I plead guilty.”
Matlala is also expected to enter into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State, a development that could have wider implications for a case involving 16 other accused persons, including senior police officials.
According to the agreement before court, the State and Matlala agreed that the court should deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and allow the sentences to run concurrently.
The proposed sentence is 15 years’ direct imprisonment, with seven years suspended.
The State further revealed that Matlala has prepared a statement disclosing the alleged involvement of several high-profile individuals connected to this matter and other related matters.
Further details are expected to emerge as proceedings continue.
