Imagine your friend vanishes, and then someone claims they were deep in the drug trade. That's exactly what's unfolding in the case of missing Pretoria businessman Jerry Boshoga. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a controversial figure in his own right as an alleged underworld player and VIP security company owner, has publicly stated that Boshoga, who disappeared after a suspected kidnapping last year, was involved in dealing narcotics. This revelation adds a disturbing layer to an already perplexing case. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Matlala telling the whole truth, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
Matlala made these claims while testifying before a parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating a raid on his home. The raid, conducted by the police’s political killings task team (PKTT) on December 6, 2024, centered around Boshoga's kidnapping in November. Police suspected Matlala might have information, either as a witness or even as a person of interest. Matlala vehemently denied any involvement in Boshoga's disappearance, claiming he only learned about the kidnapping from Boshoga’s brother on the very night it happened.
According to Matlala’s account, Boshoga instructed his brother to accompany him to pick up a 20-liter drum containing ingredients for manufacturing narcotics from a location in Centurion. Upon arrival, Boshoga reportedly jumped into another vehicle, and that was the last time anyone saw him. Matlala insists he shared this information with the police to aid their investigation. And this is the part most people miss... Is this a credible account, or could it be a carefully constructed narrative to deflect attention?
When questioned about his relationship with Boshoga, Matlala described it as a close friendship, but denied any business partnership. Evidence leader Norman Arendse directly asked Matlala if he knew Boshoga was involved in drug dealing. Matlala confirmed he did, but quickly added that he himself is not involved in the drug trade.
The backdrop to Matlala's testimony is crucial. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has previously alleged that Matlala is a member of a “Big Five” cartel involved in widespread criminal activities. This allegation casts a long shadow over Matlala's credibility and motivations.
ActionSA MP Dareleen James grilled Matlala on his alleged criminal connections:
James: “Are you saying you’re not part of a drug cartel?”
Matlala: “Yes,” confirming he is not part of a cartel.
James: “Do you provide protection service for Boshoga?”
Matlala: “No.”
James: “Are you aware your friend is a drug kingpin?”
Matlala: “Yes.”
James: “And you’re OK with your circle comprising drug dealers?”
Matlala: “I’m not OK, but I wouldn’t judge him.”
EFF leader Julius Malema followed up on the financial relationship between the two men:
Malema: “Have you ever lent Boshoga money, or has there been an exchange of money between the two of you?”
Matlala: “I used to lend him money, and he still owes me around R100,000.”
Matlala elaborated that he had previously lent Boshoga R1 million to support his cattle farming business. This raises further questions about the nature of their relationship and the source of Boshoga's funds. This begs the question: Can someone truly be friends with a known criminal without being implicated in their activities? And what does it say about our society when individuals like Matlala, facing serious allegations, are given a platform to share their version of events? It's clear that the case is far from closed. What do you think about Matlala's statements? Are they believable, or do you suspect he's hiding something? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
