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The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumed in Pretoria today with businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala back in the witness box as the inquiry continues its investigation into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Matlala’s return was brought forward from the previously scheduled 1 September appearance. He is currently addressing the gaps and omissions in his earlier evidence, including matters involving senior police officials.
However, today’s proceedings were complicated by a legal dispute. Matlala’s lead counsel, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, was absent after falling ill. Her colleague, Advocate Fatima Missi, told the commission that the defence had experienced difficulties consulting with Matlala while he was being held at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
Missi asked for the proceedings to stand down to give Matlala’s legal team more time to consult with him. The commission rejected the postponement request, meaning the legal team had to proceed with arguments concerning Matlala’s constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Also see: Cat Matlala back on the witness stand at Madlanga Commission
Self-incrimination at the centre of the hearing
The dispute follows Matlala’s previous appearance before the commission last week, when he repeatedly declined to answer questions relating to the controversial SAPS Medicare24 contract.
According to IOL, Matlala invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination, arguing that answering certain questions could prejudice him in pending criminal proceedings.
Among the issues he declined to discuss were the Medicare24 tender, his financial relationship with businessman Suleiman Carrim and aspects of his relationship with senior police officials.
The R360 million SAPS health services tender awarded to a company linked to Matlala has been a major focus of the commission. About R228 million was reportedly paid before the contract was cancelled. Matlala and several senior police officials face criminal proceedings relating to the tender.
The commission is also examining allegations about Matlala’s relationships with senior police figures and claims of links to an alleged organised crime network. These allegations remain contested and have not been established as findings of guilt.
Also see: Cat Matlala refuses proposed sentence, withdraws plea
So, what’s next?
SABC News states that the commission is expected to continue dealing with Matlala’s evidence today and tomorrow and the legal arguments surrounding his privilege against self-incrimination. His legal team’s position could determine how much of the evidence leaders’ questioning he is prepared to answer.
Matlala separately faces criminal proceedings linked to the Medicare24 tender, as well as an attempted murder case. His earlier plea-and-sentence agreement in the tender case was withdrawn in July, meaning the criminal allegations remain to be tested in court. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
The Madlanga Commission’s proceedings remain closely watched as investigators attempt to establish the extent of alleged links between organised crime, senior police officials, political figures and state procurement.
Also see: Could Cat Matlala become state witness? NPA confirms legal team’s engagements
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