Matlala’s Shackles ‘Secretly’ Tightened

●      Transfer to super-maximum prison classifies him amongst the ‘worst of the worst’ detainees in the country

●      He is set to undergo a three-phase behavioral modification programmme designed to neutralise high-risk influence

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been relocated to the eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa’s only super-maximum security facility.

The transfer, which actually took place on 21 December, was handled with strict confidentiality to ensure the safety of both the Matlala and the correctional officials involved.

This move marks a significant escalation in the management of Matlala, who is currently facing 25 serious charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder.

By shifting him from the Kgosi Mampuru II facility in Pretoria to the maximum isolation in Kokstad, the state has signalled that Matlala is now classified among the most high-risk detainees in the national correctional system.

Super-maximum facilities like eBongweni are designed specifically for the worst of the worst inmates, who have proven to be unmanageable within standard maximum-security environments.

The criteria for such a transfer typically include a history of violent behavior while incarcerated, being a significant escape risk, or serving as a leader of a criminal syndicate.

Matlala is considered to fit these criteria through a combination of his alleged external influence and his conduct behind bars.

Notably, in July 2025, a surprise raid at Kgosi Mampuru II uncovered a cellphone in Matlala’s possession. This was a breach that suggested he could still coordinate activities whilst incarcerated.

It is believed that this incident, coupled with allegations from the Madlanga Commission regarding his ability to influence high-ranking officials and bribe ministers, necessitated a higher level of isolation to prevent further interference with his ongoing legal proceedings.

The decision to keep the transfer secret for nine days was a deliberate security measure. High-profile transfers are often targets for outside interference or escape attempts, and the DCS therefore procedurally waits until an inmate is safely processed at their destination before making a public announcement.

Explaining the legal basis for the move, DCS national spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, stated that the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice which is informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.

With reference to legislation, Nxumalo further highlighted that the national commissioner of correctional services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainees at any correctional centre.

“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner is empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre. This enables the Department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands.”

At eBongweni, Matlala can expect a regime defined by the rigorous Three-Phase System, which is a behavioral modification programme designed to neutralise high-risk influence.

He will likely begin in phase one, where he will face total isolation for twenty-three hours a day in a single cell, with no human contact and meals served through a door slot. Should Matlala maintain strict compliance for six months in the latter phase, he will progress to the second, which allows for slightly expanded including limited interaction with other high-security inmates.

Only after displaying or  proving a complete lack of disruptive intent would he reach the third and final phase which focuses on reintegration into the general prison population.

This system is specifically designed to break the command of gang leaders and syndicate heads who might otherwise continue their criminal activities from within the prison walls.

Matlala now joins a notorious lineage of inmates who required the state’s most stringent containment.

The eBongweni facility has previously held high-profile figures such as the serial escape artist Ananias Mathe, who was moved to Kokstad after his legendary flight from Pretoria. Matlala also follows in the footsteps of the Czech underworld figure Radovan Krejčíř, whose high flight risk and ties to international syndicates made him a permanent fixture of the super-maximum system.

Furthermore, eBongweni is also the standard destination for the generals of the infamous prison Numbers Gangs - namely the 26s, 27s, and 28s - whose presence in regular prisons often leads to institutional instability.

Nxumalo emphasised that Matlala’s legal rights remain protected despite the move to a different province.

He stressed that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services, noting that where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence.

“The transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment,” Nxumalo said.