Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema became irritated when a journalist questioned him on Wednesday on whether he knew controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Matlala's name came up in the recent saga when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made various allegations relating to corruption against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and others.

Mkhwanazi named Matlala, who was arrested in May on an attempted murder charge and made a court appearance last week, as someone having a hand in police matters and aligned to criminal networks. Malema was questioned about Matlala outside the Mponegele Primary School voting station in Limpopo, where by-elections were taking place in Ward 13. He described Matlala's situation as wholly irrelevant to him. "He must go - rot in jail. I don’t know him. Malema stated, "I don't even care about him," demonstrating his annoyance and frustration with the media inquiries linking him and his wife, Mantwa Matlala, to the under scrutiny businessman.

The speculation arose following social media posts that suggested Mantwa Matlala either has a familial connection to Vusimuzi Matlala or has used VIP protection services from his company, CAT VIP Protection. Images circulating on various platforms appeared to show a woman believed to be Mantwa being escorted by agents from the controversial firm. Some users have jumped to the conclusion that there is no connection between Mantwa and Matlala, while others have jumped to the conclusion that there is no connection at all. "You take a petty gossip and come ask me about it?," Malema continued, clearly irritated by the media's incessant questions. There are serious national issues you should ask me about. I’ve got nothing to do with what is happening."

His remarks echoed a recurring theme among public figures: the inherent struggle against rumors and speculation that often overshadow critical discourse. In response to these Mkhwanazi's allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu pending an investigation, establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry while appointing Gwede Mantashe as the interim police minister. The charge Matlala faced relates to a shooting incident earlier this year, involving socialite Tebogo Thobejane. Matlala, along with his co-accused in the matter, appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court where proceedings were postponed as the state announced plans to consolidate multiple cases against him.