Lawyer Pressed in Heated Madlanga Clash Over Probe into Cat Matlala’s Parliament Testimony

A sharp exchange broke out at the Madlanga Commission on Monday when Advocate Annelene van der Heever faced questions about whether she has any evidence that her client, businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, is being investigated because of what he said before a parliamentary committee.

The moment came as public hearings resumed in Pretoria after weeks of closed sessions. Matlala is back in the witness box for two days as the commission digs into claims of corruption, political interference and criminal networks inside the police and justice system. Evidence leaders pushed van der Heever on the point about possible investigations linked to Matlala’s earlier parliamentary appearance. The exchange grew tense as the two sides differed on what information could fairly be used and how it might affect Matlala’s rights.

Matlala has been a central figure in the inquiry since it began last year. He has been named in testimony about an alleged “Big Five” group said to have influence inside law enforcement. He also faces separate criminal cases, including allegations linked to a large SAPS medical tender. Last year he appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee while in custody and made claims about payments and pressure involving senior police officials. Those statements have remained part of the wider discussion.

His legal team has consistently argued that certain material should stay out of the commission. On Monday they opposed the use of an earlier plea agreement Matlala had entered with the state and later withdrew. Van der Heever told the commission that relying on that material, or related affidavits, could damage the fairness of the process and clash with her client’s constitutional protections. The commission is still deciding how far it can go when questioning him on sensitive topics.

The inquiry, led by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was set up after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi raised concerns about collusion between politicians, police, prosecutors and others. Hearings have already led to arrests, suspensions and further probes. Matlala’s current appearance is one of the last major public sessions before the commission finishes its work and prepares its final report for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Arguments continued live as the day progressed, with more questions expected about Matlala’s previous statements and any follow-up actions by the authorities. The commission has said it will not accept new submissions but will still consider information that helps with cases already under investigation. Tuesday’s session is set to continue with Matlala still in the witness box.

Source: https://x.com/SABCNews/status/2119725185045537071?a=2ph9k5xWZa_lUCWd6bM&s=19

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