Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala transferred to super-max eBongweni prison as murder case looms

Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the controversial businessman facing a string of serious criminal charges, has been transferred to eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, one of the country’s most secure prisons.

The Department of Correctional Services confirmed that Matlala was moved on 21 December 2025 from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre’s C-Max unit in Pretoria.

The super-maximum facility he has been relocated to is known for its intense security measures, advanced surveillance systems and strict controls designed to house high-risk inmates.

eBongweni has long been regarded as South Africa’s toughest correctional facility, with a track record of minimal escape incidents since it was established, reinforcing its reputation as a prison reserved for offenders considered a serious security concern.

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the transfer should not be viewed as unusual, explaining that inmate movements are part of standard operational procedures.

“The transfer falls within routine operational practice, guided by considerations of security, safety, operational requirements and effective inmate management,” Nxumalo said.

He added that such decisions are provided for under section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, noting that the department would not disclose further details regarding the specific security considerations that informed the move.

Matlala has been in custody since May 2025 and is facing charges that include attempted murder, money laundering and conspiracy to commit murder.

His case has attracted widespread public attention, particularly due to allegations linking him to an attempted hit on his former girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

The matter is expected to proceed in the Johannesburg High Court in January 2026.

While the department has offered limited comment on the transfer, the move underscores its stated commitment to maintaining strict security for inmates deemed to pose elevated risks.