Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s infiltration of the South African Police Service and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) was made possible by the connivance of senior officers and the influence of his allies, including his business partner Mike van Wyk.
Van Wyk played a crucial role in co-opting suspended EMPD boss Julius Mkhwanazi, as revealed by new video footage. This footage shows how Van Wyk charmed Mkhwanazi, which ultimately led to Matlala’s success in securing the controversial R360-million police tender.
Van Wyk’s Involvement in the Tender
With Matlala, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, and several high-ranking officers facing criminal charges related to the deal, Van Wyk’s role will be central to the case against them. Van Wyk was offered the right of reply but did not respond, instead attempting to pre-empt publication with an interview offer to eNCA.
Whistleblower Claims
Van Wyk released a statement attempting to frame himself as a whistleblower, acknowledging the existence of the videos and claiming they were “taken out of context”. However, his claims have raised more questions than answers, and his involvement in the tender remains under scrutiny.
Repeated attempts to make contact with Mkhwanazi were unsuccessful at the time of publishing. The case against Matlala, Masemola, and the other high-ranking officers is ongoing, with Van Wyk’s testimony likely to be crucial in determining their fate.
The South African Police Service has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including corruption and misconduct. The SAPS website outlines the organization’s commitment to fighting crime and corruption, but cases like this highlight the need for continued vigilance and reform.
- Matlala and his allies infiltrated the SAPS and EMPD
- Van Wyk played a key role in co-opting Mkhwanazi
- The tender is worth R360 million
- Several high-ranking officers face criminal charges
