Cat Matlala to file secret affidavit about Mkhwanazi meeting

Corruption-accused businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has raised fresh concerns at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission after alleging that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made threatening remarks during a private conversation involving Police Minister General Fannie Masemola.

The allegation concerns a meeting arranged by former police minister Bheki Cele around a police summit at Emperors Palace. Matlala says Mkhwanazi later described a conversation with Masemola, who allegedly feared Matlala intended to have him killed so Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya could become national commissioner.

According to Matlala’s account, Mkhwanazi responded that Masemola only had to “say the word” and he would “take him out”. Matlala also alleges that Mkhwanazi arranged an armoured vehicle for Masemola that day. These are allegations from Matlala’s witness statement, not findings by the commission. Sowetan +1

During questioning, Matlala declined to discuss the passage publicly, asking that paragraph 118 be treated as a security risk. His legal representatives sought permission to submit a supplementary affidavit covering matters he said could not safely be addressed in open proceedings. The commission’s handling of that request remains important because the claims involve senior police officials.

The meeting dates to 15 April 2025 in Umhlanga, according to earlier testimony. Matlala told the inquiry that Cele arranged the discussion because he wanted assistance with purchase orders under his company’s police health services contract. The contract, valued at about R228 million, was later cancelled after corruption allegations emerged. SABC News +1

Matlala has disputed parts of a statement prepared during dealings with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, alleging investigators included information he did not provide. Mkhwanazi told the commission that investigators were seeking evidence against him, Masemola and crime intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. Madlanga Commission Hearing +1

The inquiry is examining alleged criminal infiltration and improper influence within law enforcement. Mkhwanazi is expected to have an opportunity to respond to the latest claims, but no finding has been made against him. Matlala’s allegations remain unproven, and all individuals named are entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The developments add another disputed account to an inquiry examining relationships between businessmen, political figures and senior police officers. Further evidence may clarify the disputed account.

https://x.com/Sowetan1981/status/2121155675250114837?a=qwgr7YQFvSiNSol4gcc&s=19

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