Former South African Police Service (SAPS) Brigadier Rachel Matjeng has officially been dismissed from the police service after being found guilty on multiple counts of serious misconduct relating to her association with alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Her dismissal took effect on 30 June 2026, following the conclusion of an internal disciplinary process.
According to SAPS, Matjeng was found guilty of accepting gratification, money laundering, improper conduct for advising Matlala against the interests of the police service, conduct prejudicial to the administration of SAPS by providing Matlala with a list containing details of SAPS members with the intention of deriving a financial benefit, and dishonesty.
The disciplinary findings mark the end of a high-profile internal investigation into the senior officer’s dealings with Matlala, who has been linked to organised crime and is facing several criminal investigations.
Matjeng has also been a prominent witness before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption, political interference and criminal infiltration within law enforcement agencies.
During her testimony before the commission, Matjeng faced intense questioning over her relationship with Matlala, including allegations that she received financial benefits and maintained inappropriate communication with him while serving as a senior police officer. She denied acting improperly and disputed allegations that she had abused her position for personal gain, insisting that her interactions with Matlala were work-related and lawful.
In her testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, the SAPS Section Head for Quality Management, detailed her relationship with Matlala, dating back to 2017.
The senior police officer told the Commission she had never experienced any “evil side” of Matlala.
She described him as a “humble, respectful, and romantic person.
Matjeng revealed that Matlala would often shower her with gifts and money. When probed by the commissioners, she denied helping Matlala secure the controversial R360-million SAPS tender contract.
Her evidence before the commission drew significant public attention, particularly as commissioners probed payments made to her, the nature of her contact with Matlala and claims that confidential police information had been shared with him. The commission has yet to make final findings on the matters before it.
The internal disciplinary process, however, concluded that Matjeng had committed serious acts of misconduct warranting her dismissal from the SAPS.
While the disciplinary outcome affects her employment within the police service, it is separate from any criminal investigations or findings that may arise from the Madlanga Commission or ongoing law enforcement probes.
Her dismissal comes as SAPS continues efforts to strengthen accountability within its ranks amid heightened scrutiny over allegations of corruption and the influence of organised crime within the country’s policing structures.
Cece Smith 