Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala joined the Madlanga Commission virtually.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
A date has been set for alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala's appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Matlala will now appear on July 15.
Commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, told Matlala, who joined the commission virtually, to come prepared next Wednesday as the hearing will begin.
The decision comes after the evidence leaders and his lawyers agreed on terms to delay the testimony. One of the reasons was for Matlala to submit his statement to the commission.
“Mr Matlala, you just must submit your statement tomorrow (Wednesday),” Madlanga said.
Matlala remains in custody while facing two separate criminal matters, including charges of attempted murder, fraud and corruption.
Since the commission opened its hearings in September, his name has surfaced repeatedly in evidence alleging deep-rooted corruption and criminal influence within the South African Police Service and government structures.
The inquiry has heard claims that Matlala bribed senior SAPS officers, used his alleged influence to orchestrate arrests, obtained confidential police information and secured lucrative government tenders worth millions of rand.
He has also been linked to senior African National Congress politicians and Cabinet ministers, placing him at the centre of one of the commission's most significant investigations.
Commission leaders have identified Matlala as a pivotal figure in efforts to uncover alleged links between organised crime, law enforcement and political power.
His postponed appearance comes as he continues plea negotiations with the State over corruption charges, a process that could influence when and how he eventually gives evidence.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is willing to extend the commission's mandate if commissioners conclude additional time is needed to complete their investigation.
Speaking in Cofimvaba on Monday, Ramaphosa praised the commission's work, saying: "I am very pleased with the work that is being done with the Madlanga Commission. It may well be that they need a little bit more time and I'll listen to that request if it comes."
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