Matlala fraud and corruption trial postponed after NDPP orders full review

The trial of tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 co-accused was postponed on 29 September 2026 after the National Director of Public Prosecutions ordered a full review of the case linked to a R228 million police wellness tender.

Why the case was delayed

Prosecutor Saneel Manilal told the court the NDPP, Andy Mothibi, has ordered a full review and requested a postponement to allow a case assessment team time to prepare recommendations. Manilal asked that the matter be postponed for approximately a month after 8 October so the team could compile their recommendations to the NDPP.

Charges and parties involved

The accused face fraud, corruption and money laundering charges arising from the award of a R228 million police wellness tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District. The matter originally involved 17 accused, but charges against suspended police commissioner Fannie Masemola were withdrawn on 22 September on the director’s instruction, and the charge sheet was endorsed accordingly, Manilal said.

Court scheduling and defence response

Matlala’s case had previously been separated while the defence negotiated a plea agreement; that deal later collapsed and his matter was moved to 25 September to be joined to the others in court. The defence did not oppose the State’s application for a postponement.

Matlala’s lawyer told the court the proposed date presented a problem because he would be in the High Court from 2 November. Manilal said the date should still stand and noted the other accused had agreed to it, adding that there are 15 other accused. He said Matlala’s matter could be postponed in his absence on 17 November, at which point a new date would be set.

Attendance issues and custody status

One accused identified in court as accused number 10 was absent and produced a medical certificate; the court issued a warrant but held execution of the warrant over until 17 November. The hearing record shows Matlala remains in custody, while the other accused are currently out on bail.

What happens next

The case will be held over to allow the NDPP’s review and for the prosecution team to receive instruction from the NDPP following the assessment team’s recommendations.