Cat Matlala Denies Repeated Visits to Sibiya Home and Rejects Coercion Claims at Madlanga Commission

Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has denied that he repeatedly visited the home of suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. He also rejected claims that anyone forced him to give his earlier testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee.

Matlala made the statements on Monday while testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. The commission is looking into allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system. Matlala is a key figure in the hearings because of his company’s Medicare24 contract with the South African Police Service, which was later cancelled after questions were raised about how it was awarded.

The denials come as Matlala disputes parts of an affidavit that was prepared during his failed plea deal talks with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). In that earlier document, he had confirmed attending a party at Sibiya’s house and described giving the top cop 20 impalas. He had also spoken about feeling obliged to meet certain requests from Sibiya because of the police officer’s position.

Now, however, Matlala is pushing back. He says he did not go to Sibiya’s home several times. He also insists that he was not coerced into what he previously told Parliament. The commission earlier on Monday rejected his legal team’s attempt to stop questions based on the documents from the collapsed plea agreement. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that the commission could still use the material, even though the plea deal itself no longer stands.

Sibiya has previously told the same commission that Matlala came to his Midrand home for his son’s engagement party in September 2024. He said there was nothing wrong with the visit and that the main reason was for Matlala to fetch his wife, who had been drinking. Sibiya has consistently denied that the two men were friends or that he received improper gifts from Matlala.

Matlala’s latest testimony adds another layer to the long-running questions about how close the businessman and the senior policeman really were. The commission has already heard claims of cash payments, gifts and regular contact between them, often said to have been arranged through intermediaries. Both men have denied any improper relationship.

The hearings continue this week, with Matlala expected back on the stand. His evidence remains central to the commission’s work as it tries to piece together what happened inside the police service and who benefited from the Medicare24 contract.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2119783152889561102?a=t2XBb-0G6s2E0LrY4c4&s=19

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