The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team have rounded up close associates of alleged crime boss Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

News24 has reliably learnt from sources close to the investigations that these arrests relate to a controversial R1.2m lease agreement for a luxury, multimillion-rand Pretoria mansion.

Sources have also confirmed that those arrested include Matlala’s wife, Tsakane Matlala, as well as Given Makofane, who has been described as Matlala’s ‘right-hand man’ and driver and whom the Madlanga Commission previously heard was arrested for speeding, prompting a call from Matlala to disgraced Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department top cop Julius Mkhwanazi to try to cut him loose. 

Matlala had allegedly secured the lease for the property at the centre of the current case by posing as a Swati prince.

Arrests were carried out at properties in Pretoria and Johannesburg yesterday morning. 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests.

She said a total of four people had been arrested and that they were facing fraud and corruption charges.

‘It has to do with a number of issues – firstly, that they were acquiring properties across Gauteng utilising fraudulent documents, but also that one of the suspects obviously utilised fraudulent documents to also acquire fake citizenship of the Kingdom of eSwatini,’ Mathe said.

She said the group would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.

Full News24 report