Matlala’s testimony hit by fire alarm, legal standoff and denials | Madlanga Commission wrap
Matlala invoked his right against self-incrimination and refused to delve into allegations forming part of his pending criminal proceedings before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Alleged crime lord Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's awaited testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Monday was marred by interruptions, legal opposition and refusals to answer questions. The hearing, which was meant to expose corruption allegations related to a R228 million SAPS health-services tender, was initially postponed until September due to lawyers' concerns that probing into his criminal case might prejudice ongoing trial.
The commission subsequently accelerated the subpoena for Monday and Tuesday. Just before the scheduled 9.30am session at Pretoria’s Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, the proceedings were abruptly halted when a fire alarm prompted an evacuation. Emergency services and police swiftly entered the building to ensure it was secure. Upon his return, Matlala was accompanied by a constitutional safeguard, stating, "I am entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty."
When questioned about Medicare24 and the R228 million SAPS health-services contract, Matlala once again invoked his right against self-incrimination and declined to comment on matters pertaining to his pending criminal proceedings before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Despite this, the commission heard a series of firm denials.
Matlala rejected claims of a relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, stating through his legal counsel that he was unaware of the minister and denied any meetings or financial links. He also contested allegations by intermediary Brown Mogotsi regarding secret meetings at the residence of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, asserting that phone-record evidence did not corroborate his version.
When confronted about other individuals such as former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks chief Lesetja Senona, Hangwani Maumela, Mike van Wyk and Suliman Carrim, Matlala avoided further engagement and instead cast doubts on investigators and those he claimed were attempting to manipulate the case against him. He alleged that a person referred to as "Mr Maluleka" sought to extort him and demanded promotions in exchange for favorable testimony in a disciplinary matter involving Major General Feroz Khan.
Additionally, Matlala contended that investigators approached him while he was incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, pressuring him to fabricate evidence implicating National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo in corruption. Currently, the commission remains with more questions than answers, with Matlala's testimony now set to take place on August 24 and 25.
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