Madlanga Commission resumes with Matlala set to testify amid legal dispute

Ask AI 3minThe Madlanga Commission resumes public hearings, with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala set to testify amid a legal dispute over evidence linked to his failed plea-and-sentence agreement.

The Madlanga Commission is expected to resume public hearings at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria today, with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala scheduled to testify over two days amid a legal dispute over what he may be questioned about.

Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga directed evidence leaders and Matlala’s lawyers to file written arguments by 5pm on Sunday on Section 105A(10) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

In a ruling issued on November 7, the commission directed both sides to submit arguments, limited to 15 pages each, addressing how the provision applies to matters Matlala may be questioned about.

The dispute follows the collapse of Matlala’s plea agreement in a criminal case involving a South African Police Service (SAPS) healthcare tender. His October 1 appearance was postponed to December 14 before being brought forward to November 9 and 10.

Matlala testified in August but repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about the tender and alleged dealings with police officials.

His company, Medicare24, secured the disputed contract in 2024, which SAPS cancelled in May 2025 following an internal audit. Criminal charges against him remain before the courts.

Public hearings were suspended ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections, but the commission continued hearing confidential evidence during October and early November.

The commission also held a two-day seminar in preparation for drafting its final report.

The inquiry is working to complete Phase Two, which allows those implicated in earlier testimony to respond to allegations against them.

In a statement yesterday, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo are scheduled to testify under subpoena in the coming weeks.

Phase Three will see Mkhwanazi and other key witnesses return to have their earlier evidence tested and respond to conflicting accounts. The commission did not provide specific appearance dates for the three witnesses.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations in July 2025 of corruption, organised crime and political interference within the criminal justice system prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the inquiry.

The commission also authorised two unidentified witnesses to testify behind closed doors on Friday, November 6.

In a supporting affidavit, attorney Tammy Mart Jantjies said their evidence concerned ongoing criminal investigations and informant protection. Public disclosure could “alert suspects, facilitate the destruction of evidence”, and compromise investigations, she warned. The commission ordered the proceedings and records to remain confidential.

Another unresolved matter is North West businessman Suliman Carrim’s appearance.

He was granted R100 000 bail on October 28 in a case involving his failure to honour commission subpoenas. At the time, he remained in custody in connection with a separate criminal case in Limpopo.

The commission subsequently said his lawyers had failed to meet a condition requiring them to report in person within 48 hours to arrange his next appearance.

“As a result, Mr Carrim has failed to comply with the bail condition,” the commission said.

Ramaphosa’s former political adviser Bejani Chauke has also been drawn into the inquiry over reported WhatsApp exchanges with the late taxi boss Jotham Msibi. Chauke said he responded to a Regulation 10(6) notice in August and had not been summoned to testify.

The commission submitted interim reports to Ramaphosa in December 2025 and May 2026. Its second report recommended disciplinary proceedings and criminal investigations involving Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, businessman Brown Mogotsi, and Witness G.

These remain interim recommendations and referrals, not final determinations of criminal wrongdoing. Any prosecution would depend on sufficient evidence being established.

The commission’s final report is now due on January 25, 2027, after Ramaphosa extended the deadline to allow outstanding evidence to be heard.