Suspected criminal mastermind and 7 Suspects in AKA Murder Moved eBongweni

By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

At the end of December 2025, suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, was transferred to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max).
This according to a statement by the Department of Correctional Services which said that the transfer of detainees is standard practice informed by a number of considerations primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.
Matlala is allegedly linked to a number of syndicates responsible for the misappropriation of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies.
Unconfirmed reports also indicate that the seven men accused of killing rapper Kiernan Forbes and businessman Tebello Motsoane were also allegedly transferred to eBongweni at the beginning of the year from the Westville centre. Forbes and Motsoane were killed in February 2023, with the accused arrested a year after the incident.
The moved detainees includes the Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave, who were extradited from Eswatini in November 2025. According to media report, the defence team of the seven accused has questioned the transfer and have raised concerns about limited access to their clients.
“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998… the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant. This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands,” the Department of Correctional Services said.
Furthermore, the department emphasised that its core mandate is to ensure the safety and security of all facilities which are “conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes”.
“In this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials, and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. Where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence. It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.
“Given the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer,” the department concluded.