South Africa: Criminal Links of South Africa's Private Security Companies Also Require Scrutiny

What the report says

An Institute for Security Studies analysis published by AllAfrica argues that South Africa’s private security industry deserves closer scrutiny because people with alleged criminal ties may be able to use security companies for protection, influence and access to firearms. The article centers on Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, described as a tender businessman and criminal suspect who owns CAT VIP Protection, a company registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority in 2017.

The report says Matlala has faced repeated criminal allegations over the years, including current cases involving procurement fraud and attempted murder, and has been in custody since his arrest in May 2025. It also notes that his company came under review by PSIRA in October 2025 after questions emerged about his relationship with a suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, which allegedly helped his security vehicles use police-style blue lights. The article further references evidence linking Matlala to other alleged criminal activity and to contacts with senior police figures.

Beyond Matlala, the analysis says criminally oriented actors may use private security firms to secure firearms, win contracts, intimidate rivals or run protection rackets. It cites concerns about lost or stolen weapons from security companies and notes that some firearms linked to such firms have appeared in investigations into violence, including taxi-related attacks and unrest. The piece says the rapid growth of the industry, with more than 7,000 new companies registered since 2020, makes stronger oversight, better firearms control and more effective regulation important.