The CAT VIP – Julius Mkhwanazi (EMPD) “Affair”
By Kyle Condon
This article examines growing concerns about CAT VIP Protection and its alleged relationship with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), involving senior official Julius Mkhwanazi. Drawing on testimony from the Madlanga Commission and media reporting (2022–2025), this piece outlines allegations of irregular municipal vehicle registrations, questionable MoUs, political interference, and regulatory lapses.
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Background: CAT VIP & Matlala
CAT VIP Protection, a Gauteng-based private security company, is widely associated with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. His business interests span security, healthcare, and tender-driven services. Since 2022, media investigations have repeatedly linked entities within his network to irregular tenders, unusually rapid contract acquisition, and overlapping political relationships.
The EMPD Connection & Key Allegations
1. Blue-Light Vehicle Scheme
Vehicles allegedly owned by CAT VIP were said to have been registered as municipal assets, fitted with blue lights and sirens, and used as if they were EMPD operational vehicles — effectively granting private individuals police-style privileges.
2. Fake or Unauthorised MoU
Testimony suggests that an unauthorised memorandum of understanding was drafted, allegedly by Mkhwanazi, to legitimise CAT VIP’s operational collaboration with EMPD. Internal checks reportedly confirmed no lawful approval existed.
3. Rogue Unit Protection
Whistleblowers indicated that EMPD officers feared taking action, alleging that senior personnel protected the arrangement and discouraged internal scrutiny.
4. Regulatory Failings: PSIRA Suspensions
PSIRA suspended eight officials for alleged irregularities in registering companies linked to CAT VIP. Despite this, several entities within the network reportedly continued operating and tendering.
5. Political Interference
Accounts from inside the municipality point to administrative and political shielding, enabling the arrangement to continue largely unchallenged despite mounting concerns.
Timeline of Key Public Developments (2022–2025)
- 2022: First public reporting links Matlala’s businesses to tender irregularities.
- 2023: Viral social media videos show blue-light convoys allegedly involving CAT VIP vehicles.
- 2024: Draft MoUs surface indicating attempts to formalise CAT VIP’s role inside EMPD structures.
- 2025: Major SAPS contract, PSIRA suspensions, and key testimony at the Madlanga Commission expose the alleged operational arrangement.
What These Allegations Mean
If accurate, the CAT VIP–EMPD affair raises serious concerns about:
- misuse of municipal resources,
- unlawful outsourcing of policing powers,
- compromised regulatory oversight,
- potential political capture,
- and whistleblower intimidation.
All of this erodes public trust, accountability, and the legal boundaries between state policing and private security operations.
A Familiar Pattern: South Africa’s History of Security–Politics Entanglements
The BOSASA Blueprint
The BOSASA saga — detailed in Auditor-General reports and the Zondo Commission — exposed vast networks of alleged bribes, political favours, and questionable tender awards.
The PRASA, Royal Security & Jacob Zuma Triangle
In The President’s Keeper, investigative journalist Jacques Pauw detailed how Royal Security allegedly paid approximately R1.5 million to Jacob Zuma while he was an ANC leader and later President.
The Unavoidable Question: Where Is PSIRA?
As the regulator of South Africa’s private security sector, PSIRA is responsible for licensing, oversight, compliance, and enforcement. Yet companies such as CAT VIP and Royal Security continue to operate and secure major tenders despite years of findings, reports, and media coverage.
A publicly available PDF — Tender Awarded List, April 2025 — lists Royal Security cc as a successful tenderer for the Overberg District Municipality (Tender T22-2024), with a term ending 30 June 2027.
Why does this remain possible? The public deserves answers.
Final Thoughts
Until genuine, independent regulatory enforcement is applied — without political interference — the country will continue to witness these “Sodom-and-Gomorrah-style” partnerships between private security entities and politically connected figures.
For now, it remains essential to shine a spotlight on these relationships and demand real accountability.