Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala appears alongside co-accused Tsakani Matlala at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on October 07, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been relocated from the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super-maximum facility at eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on Tuesday confirmed that the relocation of Matlala took place on 21 December 2025.
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice. “It is informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system. “In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No.
111 of 1998), the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant,” Nxumalo said. Nxumalo said this provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands. “The core mandate of the department is to ensure that all correctional facilities are safe, secure, and conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes.
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In this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials, and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. “Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence. It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services,” he said.
Nxumalo said given the “sensitive nature of security-related decisions”, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews, or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer. Matlala has been the subject of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiryinto Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
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