“Imagine Cat as a President”: Mzansi Swoons As Cat Matlala’s Softer Side Shines Thanks to His Wife

“Imagine Cat as a President”: Mzansi Swoons As Cat Matlala’s Softer Side Shines Thanks to His Wife

  • A viral video captured a tender exchange between businessman Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and his wife during a court appearance
  • The clip was shared on TikTok, showing the accused gesturing toward his loose-fitting clothing to signal significant weight loss while in custody
  • Social media users reacted with a mix of sympathy and humour, with many praising the visible bond between the couple
The wife's reaction to her husband's physical change sparked an emotional response from viewers
Cat Matlala was filmed in the dock showing his wife how loose his clothes have become since his arrest. Image: @Lee_Raa_Tuu
Source: Twitter

A touching moment between Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his wife, Tsakane, recently took social media by storm.

The video was shared on TikTok by user @magmohupdates on February 6 2026, where it gained massive views, likes, and comments from an online community that was captivated by the duo's relationship.

In the video, he was seen gesturing toward his trousers, pulling at the fabric to show his wife how big they had become. The gesture suggested he had lost a considerable amount of weight during his time behind bars. Tsakane, who is also imprisoned, watched him with a clash of emotions, appearing to feel a sense of pity and affection for her husband.

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Cat Matlala’s imprisonment

Despite the serious nature of the proceedings, the TikTok user @magmohupdates focused on the couple’s personal connection while standing in the court’s dock. Cat is currently in prison after being arrested and charged with multiple offences, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and other crimes.

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Watch the TikTok video below:

SA responds with mixed reactions

The clip went viral, garnering 2.1M views and 2.9K likes from social media users who were moved by the couple’s loyalty. Many viewers noted how much Tsakane clearly loves her man based on the way she looked at him. Some called for his release, arguing that other figures mentioned in the Madlanga Commission remained free. Others jokingly suggested that he was merely complaining about the small food portions provided in prison.

Others used the video to debate the fairness of his detention compared to other public figures
Many viewers praised the couple's relationship, noting the deep affection visible in the wife's expression. Image: Ninthgrid
Source: UGC

User @djcoco86 said:

"As long as Hangwani Maumela is still eating pap outside, free Cat Matlala."

User @Maboezana shared:

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"Imagine Cat as SA President and Thabo Bester as Deputy President, Tsakane as Minister of Finance and Nandipha as Minister of Police

User @zinzi joked:

"He is complaining about the food. He misses good food 😂🤣."

User @Zukiswa Quntu added:

"Oh, he deserves a second chance."

User @Ms I N Mlumbi said:

"Lapho, I love him so much ❤️."

User @Kwena commented:

"According to my analysis, this guy was generous, hence won lots of people to his circle, he wasn't selfish. The bad part is people who lost their lives."

3 Briefly News Madlanga Commission-related articles

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bongiwe Mati avatar

Bongiwe Mati (Human Interest Editor) Bongiwe Mati is a Human Interest reporter who joined Briefly News in August 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from the University of the Western Cape. Her journalism journey began in 2005 at the university newspaper. She later transitioned to marketing and sales at Leadership Magazine under Cape Media (2007-2009). In 2023, she joined BONA magazine as an Editorial Assistant, contributing to digital and print platforms across current news, entertainment, and human interest categories. Bongiwe can be reached at bongiwe.mati@briefly.co.za