Corruption-accused businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has refused to answer questions that could potentially expose him to self-incrimination during his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Matlala appeared before the commission on Monday as it continued probing the controversial R228-million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract awarded to his company, Medicare24.
His testimony follows a series of allegations by witnesses who have implicated him in claims that he used money and other benefits to cultivate relationships with senior police officials.
When questioned about the circumstances surrounding the Medicare24 tender and whether he had provided gratification to police officers, Matlala invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
“The SAPS and Medicare contract is a matter in which I have been criminally charged and currently attending court, and as such I am unable to comment on the question posed … the basis is that I do not wish to incriminate myself,” he said.
Matlala pointed out that he remains an accused in the criminal proceedings involving the SAPS contract, together with his companies.
He argued that evidence relating to those allegations must still be presented and tested in an open court.
He also stressed that he remains presumed innocent until a court determines otherwise.
“I am entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and also not to answer self-incriminating questions, especially on such a complex matter that the state has already preferred charges against me,” Matlala said.
His decision means the commission will not receive answers from him on some of the most serious allegations surrounding the Medicare24 contract.
The tender has become one of the central issues in the commission’s investigation into allegations of criminal networks infiltrating law enforcement agencies.
Matlala has been accused of providing money and other benefits to senior police officials, including SAPS deputy national commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya and former organised crime investigations boss Major-General Richard Shibiri.
He has also been linked to SAPS officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Matlala further declined to answer questions concerning some of his co-accused in the criminal case.
Among them is suspended police official Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, whom the state alleges received approximately R300,000 from Matlala as a bribe.
Matlala also rejected suggestions that he had a relationship with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“It suffices to say, I do not know Minister Mchunu,” he told the commission.
The commission has heard allegations that Matlala spent thousands of rands on politician Brown Mogotsi as part of an alleged effort to influence Mchunu and safeguard his lucrative SAPS contract.
The contract was cancelled by SAPS in May 2025.
Matlala also denied any association with crime intelligence boss Major-General Feroz Khan.
“I do not have any relationship with Maj-Gen Khan. I have never met him and have had no interactions with him,” he said.
The commission has now postponed the continuation of Matlala’s testimony to 24 and 25 August.
Madlanga said proceedings would continue on 26 August if Matlala had not completed his evidence by then.
He warned that there could be “no slippages” in the filing of court papers.
The committee is scheduled to resume at 9.30am tomorrow.
Van den Heever told the commission that any necessary reply would be filed by Saturday evening.
The parties are also expected to submit their heads of argument by 6pm on Saturday.