The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially dismissed Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, the former section head for quality management at the forensic services division, effective 30 June 2026. Her dismissal follows a formal disciplinary process where she was found guilty of multiple counts of serious misconduct, including accepting financial gratification, money laundering, improper conduct, and dishonesty.
Investigation And Disciplinary Findings
The misconduct charges against Matjeng were directly linked to her relationship with businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. During a hearing at the Madlanga Commission in February 2026, Matjeng denied wrongdoing, maintaining that money and gifts received from Matlala since 2017 were personal tokens from a romantic partner rather than bribes in exchange for official influence.
I have never borrowed money from Mr Matlala, and the money and gifts received from 2017 were a gift from a boyfriend. None of the gifts or monies received from him were related to me having an influence on the awarding of the tender or the execution thereof.
However, the internal disciplinary panel rejected this defence after Vusimuzi Matlala pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption, and money laundering in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in June 2026. As part of his guilty plea, Matlala admitted to paying R300 000 to Matjeng, contradicting her claims of innocent personal gifting.
Broader Implications For SAPS
The case is part of a wider investigation into a R360 million SAPS health services tender involving Matlala’s company, Medicare24. Matjeng was among 12 senior officers implicated in the matter, with investigators alleging that she leveraged her position within the forensic division to facilitate fraudulent claims for the company.
The outcome sends a clear message that corruption, criminality and any form of collusion with criminals have no place within the South African Police Service.
Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, stated that the dismissal serves as a warning against the compromising of police integrity. Authorities are expected to continue their wider probes into the remaining senior officers connected to the disputed tender process.