{
  "id": 17410503,
  "title": "Matlala claims former lawyer coached him on answers about Sibiya during Parliament testimony",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/matlala-claims-former-lawyer-coached-him-on-answers-about-sibiya",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/capetimes/news/2026-10-31-matlala-claims-former-lawyer-coached-him-on-answers-about-sibiya-during-parliament-testimony/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Businessman Vusimuzi \"Cat\" Matlala has accused his former lawyer, advocate Bronwynne Forbay, of coaching him on his answers regarding former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya during a Parliament hearing. In a draft affidavit, Matlala claims Forbay instructed him to conceal details about his relationship with Sibiya and misled him about a visit to Sibiya's residence. Forbay has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them \"false, unfounded and rejected in the strongest possible terms\". The allegations cast doubt on the accuracy of Matlala's parliamentary testimony and his legal representation. However, they have not been independently verified. In the affidavit, Matlala disputes aspects of his prior testimony about Sibiya, who is also implicated in allegations of improper dealings. Matlala alleges that Forbay coerced him, warning that revealing the full extent of his relationship with Sibiya would result in his family being threatened. The affidavit does not substantiate this claim, nor does it provide Sibiya's response. Matlala further maintains that Forbay and Sibiya communicated during parliamentary adjournments, influencing his answers. He claims Sibiya instructed Forbay on how to respond to questions, potentially involving other parliamentary committee members. However, the affidavit does not identify any committee members or provide evidence of improper disclosures. Matlala disputes the version of events about his relationship with Sibiya's residence and asserts that the account he was instructed to give did not align with his recollection. The affidavit asserts that Matlala and Forbay's legal representation was conducted in accordance with professional confidentiality and privilege, limiting what can be disclosed. Forbay maintains that the refusal to disclose privileged information does not equate to acceptance of the allegations. Matlala also claims that Sibiya influenced Forbay's appointment as his legal counsel and that he terminated the partnership due to Forbay's actions. The affidavit does not offer proof of Forbay's alleged behavior or Matlala's decision to end their professional relationship. The affidavit further states that Matlala did not pay Forbay and subsequently hired Hlawu Maluleke Attorneys. However, the basis for these claims is not supported in the document, and the alleged seizure of Matlala's mobile phones by police and their alleged return to Forbay are unverified. The affidavit also relates to Matlala's interactions with senior police officials and alleged payments for a state-witness arrangement, which require separate verification. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) declined to comment on the leaked documents, citing the need to maintain the integrity of its investigation.",
  "summary": "Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala alleges his former lawyer, advocate Bronwynne Forbay, coached his parliamentary testimony about former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Forbay denies the claims.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former lawyer Bronwynne Forbay accused of coaching Matlala on Sibiya answers",
    "Matlala claims Forbay misled him about visit to Sibiya's residence",
    "Forbay denies allegations as false and unfounded"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}