SAPS Fires Top Cop Over 'Cat' Matlala Ties

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SAPS has fired Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a senior officer accused of corruption, after her association with alleged underworld figure 'Cat' Matlala came to light. The dismissal marks the end of a high-profile case that has shaken the South African Police Service.

Matjeng's fall from grace began with her appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in February 2026. Under intense questioning, she revealed her romantic relationship with Matlala, who is linked to a R360 million SAPS tender scandal.

The tender, awarded in June 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to Matlala, was later cancelled after allegations of corruption surfaced. Matjeng served as the Quality Management Officer overseeing the contract, raising concerns about potential conflict of interest.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed that Matjeng's dismissal took effect on June 30, 2026, after she was found guilty of corruption and other charges. The outcome sends shockwaves through the SAPS, with many questioning how a senior officer could be embroiled in such a scandal.

Matjeng had served in her position since 2018, overseeing the Quality Management Division within the Forensic Services Division in Pretoria. Her role gave her oversight on several major SAPS projects, including the R360 million health risk management contract.

The disciplinary panel found Matjeng guilty of five charges, including accepting gratification, money laundering and improper conduct.

During her testimony, Matjeng maintained that her relationship with Matlala was genuine and that she had not personally benefited from the money. She claimed that payments amounting to R300,000 were gifts from Matlala, who had bought her expensive items, including weight-loss medication Ozempic valued at about R4,500 per unit.

The commission heard evidence that Matjeng provided Matlala with internal SAPS information, including details of over 300 police officers who had failed to undergo medical examinations.

According to evidence before the commission, the information could have assisted Matlala's company in claiming payment for services that had not been rendered. Matjeng argued that she had shared the information to prevent fraudulent claims and protect SAPS from irregular expenditure.

The disciplinary outcome follows recommendations contained in the Madlanga Commission's interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa, which identified Matjeng as one of several senior SAPS officials against whom there was prima facie evidence of corruption.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) arrested Matjeng alongside 11 other senior police officers on March 24, 2026, in connection with the R360 million SAPS tender.

Matlala, a businessman with close ties to the national police commissioner, has been accused of using his connections to secure lucrative deals for his companies. His ties to Matjeng and other high-ranking officials have raised questions about the integrity of the SAPS.

### Key Facts

  • Matjeng was fired on June 30, 2026, after a disciplinary hearing found her guilty of corruption and other charges.
  • The SAPS tender scandal cost the service R360 million, a staggering amount that has raised eyebrows.
  • Matjeng served in her position since 2018, overseeing the Quality Management Division.
  • The disciplinary panel found Matjeng guilty of five charges, including accepting gratification, money laundering and improper conduct.
  • Matlala is a key figure in the SAPS corruption scandal, with close ties to the national police commissioner.