NPA says Cat Matlala talks are engagements, not a plea deal

National Prosecuting Authority rejects reports of plea agreement with Cat Matlala

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it has not entered into a plea agreement with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and that ongoing discussions should be understood as engagements rather than a final deal.

What the NPA says

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told SABC News that the reference made in open court to engagements between the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and Matlala reflects the current status: ongoing engagements, not a concluded plea negotiation.

“That is exactly what is happening – engagements. At this stage, we cannot say whether those engagements will lead to a plea agreement or anything else.”

Kganyago said prosecutors requested a postponement to verify information presented during the first phase of engagements and that there would be a second engagement. He emphasised that any suggestion an agreement already exists is false and warned against media speculation that could pre-empt outcomes.

Case background

The matter centres on a R228 million tender alleged to have been irregularly awarded by the South African Police Service to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Media reports say Matlala has offered information to IDAC that could implicate senior police officials and politicians.

Matlala recently appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court alongside senior police officers facing corruption and fraud charges linked to the tender. Among the accused is suspended SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who faces four charges including contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act, fraud, money laundering and other financial offences.

Process and possible next steps

Kganyago said the engagements are formal processes and not yet plea negotiations. He noted that further processes are required, including engagement with the National Director of Public Prosecutions, and that any decision must comply with the law.

He also said there should be no assumption that any agreement would automatically spare Matlala from prosecution and that the state must verify facts presented before proceeding.

Postponement and disclosure

The matter was postponed to 26 June 2026 for further investigation. The state is expected to disclose the docket to the accused and may amend the charge sheet following Masemola’s inclusion in the case.

Allegations of abandonment

Recent reports said Matlala felt abandoned after suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police officials allegedly failed to protect him from arrest during a SAPS raid on his home and offices. The NPA statement did not confirm those reports; it focused on clarifying the status of engagements with Matlala.