‘Why did you send it?’ Matlala grilled over Maumela’s R4m payment to late taxi boss Msibi

A substantial R4 million payment has placed Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, Hangwani Morgan Maumela, and the late taxi boss, Jotham "King Mswazi" Msibi in the same financial spotlight. WhatsApp evidence revealed Matlala forwarding Maumela's payment record to Msibi, raising questions about the closeness of their relationship and Matlala's role in their dealings.

Matlala testified that Msibi and Maumela only knew each other through him, stating their relationship never extended beyond Msibi's interest in purchasing Maumela's expensive Pagani Huayra sports car. However, evidence presented before the commission raised doubts about the limited nature of their association. Matlala claimed he forwarded the payment record to Msibi due to the lack of Maumela's contact details, but he admitted he couldn't recall the exact context of the exchange.

He denied being an intermediary between the two men and expressed unawareness of any direct money transfers between them. The exchange has gained importance as it appears to position Matlala between Msibi and Maumela in a financial communication, despite his insistence on the limited relationship. Matlala testified that their connection originated from their shared interest in luxury sports cars, with meetings occurring between 2015 and 2017.

The commission has also uncovered evidence of WhatsApp communications between Matlala and Msibi regarding the potential purchase of a private jet. Matlala has attempted to separate Msibi from his financial dealings with Maumela, while investigators have scrutinized his account against WhatsApp chats, payment records, and other financial evidence.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has previously linked Matlala and Maumela to allegations concerning a multimillion-rand tender at Tembisa Hospital.