
Malema sets record straight on 'links' to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala
This, after reports surfaced on social media that Malema and his wife use CAT VIP protection services owned by Matlala, and that the outspoken leader has been silent on the issues concerning the businessman because his wife is related to him.
The 49-year-old has been a hot topic after he was named by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as an alleged funder of the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, during an explosive media briefing earlier this month that sent shockwaves across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Polokwane at the ward 13 by-election on Wednesday, 16 July, Malema said he has nothing to do with Matlala.
'He must go rot in jail. I don't know him, I don't even care about him. I've never had anything to do with him. So, you take petty gossip and you come and ask me about it? There are serious national issues you must ask me about. I've got nothing to do with what is happening,' he said.
Meanwhile, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his wife appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court last Friday on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
IOL reported that the Matlalas face charges linked to a high-profile attack on actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, who survived a dramatic shooting incident in October 2023 on the N1 highway near Sandton, Johannesburg.
Thobejane reportedly was shot in the foot, while a female passenger in the car sustained a serious spinal cord injury.
At the weekend after his court appearance, the 49-year-old Pretoria businessman was caught with a cellphone during a surprise search which was led by Correctional Services national commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale at the Kgosi Mampuru C-Max section where he is detained.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton's son reveals why he'll never take dad's surname
Gayton McKenzie's son, Calvin Le John – the new owner of Siwelele FC, previously SuperSport United – reveals he has no intention of taking his dad's surname. The firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture spoke to Robert Marawa in his first interview as a soccer boss. Speaking on 947, Calvin Le John was questioned on his decision not to take his father's surname. The Siwelele boss revealed that his mother chose to give him her maiden name in her bid to disassociate with Gayton McKenzie, who at the time had been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at Grootvlie prison for armed robbery. He said, 'She didnt want her child to grow up with the surname of a prisoner. I never changed it. Growing up, I actually felt blessed that I had my mother's surname because I did not want to be directly under my father's shadow. Calvin – the firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture – continued: 'I don't live by the title of the son of Gayton McKenzie. I always try to keep under the radar, I just wanted my peace.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phezu Kwabo (@phezukwabo_) In the interview, Calvin Le John praised his dad Gayton McKenzie for being a role model for many South Africans, despite his criminal past. He said, 'My father is my teacher, my mentor. I love him, respect him, and admire him. He taught me everything I know. 'His story is a lesson for every person in South Africa. 'He's one of those people who show you that you can come from nothing and make it to where he is Since Calvin Le John acquired Siwelele FC, many South Africans have accused Gayton McKenzie of having a hand in the closed business deal. Others claim he would use his position as Minister of Sport to further the club's interests. Responding to the rumours, Gayton said in a Facebook Live: 'People act like we took money from under our mattress and we just went to go buy a club. 'He bought it, I'm not part of the company….There's no consortium, he owns 100% of the company alone'. Gayton added, 'I'm very proud of him. He doesn't want to trade on McKenzie's name; that shows you he is different.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
13 hours ago
- The South African
Roland Schoeman threatens to sue troll over 'rapist' claims
Former Olympic swimmer Roland Schoeman has threatened to sue an X user who accused him of being a 'rapist' and 'paedophile'. The South African gold medallist now lives in the US and works as a qualified real estate agent. In 2022, he became a naturalised US citizen. On his X account, Roland Schoeman threatened legal action against an X user who called him a 'rapist', 'racist' and 'paedophile'. The former Olympic swimmer posted a screenshot of the defamatory post, tagging Barry Bateman, who is part of AfriForum's private prosecution department. 'I have a case I'd like to run by you, please', he posted. Schoeman also tagged the SAPS, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Boston police in the US. In another post, Roland Schoeman responded directly to the anonymous social media user, sharing: 'You called me a racist and a rapist with zero proof. Big talk from a faceless coward hiding behind a screen. 'You want a face-to-face? Cool. Drop your name and info. Let the world see who's running their mouth. Until then, sit down. You're just another spineless troll trying to bait outrage because your life's irrelevant.' In South Africa, defamation – where a false statement is made about an individual, whether written or spoken – is a civil offence, and not a criminal one. Damages can be awarded to the complainant if the following has occurred: Reputational harm Financial loss Emotional distress Roland Schoeman has threatened legal action against a via X: @ronaldschoeman Complainants can also demand a public apology or retraction and be awarded their legal costs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


Eyewitness News
16 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Malema takes a swipe at African heads of State
JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Front (EFF) leader Julius Malema has taken aim at African heads of state, accusing them of presenting themselves for a humiliation ritual in the United States Oval Office. Malema delivered this message at the party's 3rd central command team meeting in Bela Bela. He is calling on his party to force Africa to cut ties with imperialist powers. Malema caught the ire of US President Donald Trump when South Africa visited the Oval Office in May—where Trump showed visuals of the firebrand chanting "shoot the boer"—as she sought to substantiate a false claim that whites were under siege in the country. Five African heads of state have recently been hosted by the US president. With President Cyril Ramaphosa being one of them, Malema has accused him of going to the Oval for the sole purpose of discussing the EFF. He says Ramaphosa failed to even defend the "shoot the boer" chant—which is rooted in the president's own political party—the African National Congress (ANC). The EFF leader—in his observations—also notes the lack of improvement in relations between South Africa and the US. During his address, Malema also took a swipe at the US president, describing him as the most unstable imperialist—with ties to sex traffickers. He has further labelled Trump's tariff war as irrational and illiterate—lacking the understanding of the concept of a trade deficit. Malema has called on the global forces on the left to unite against the US.