LIVE | Matlala back in the hot seat as Maumela, R4m trail come under fire

South Africa - Pretoria - 24 August 2026 - Controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, appeared before at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala's testimony at the Madlanga Commission enters day four with his relationship with businessman Hangwani Maumela and a disputed R4 million payment trail firmly in focus.

Before the commission could begin, Matlala’s lawyer, Anneline van der Heever, requested an hour’s delay to engage with her client on the documents they have in hand.

Matlala faced intense questioning on Tuesday over his links to taxi bosses Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi and Steve Motsumi, amid allegations connecting some figures in the taxi industry to the Big Five cartel.

But his dealings with Maumela have opened another line of questioning.

On Tuesday, Advocate Mahlape Sello pressed Matlala over his role in introducing Msibi to Maumela and his involvement in communications surrounding payments.

Matlala said Msibi regarded him as a son and knew Maumela through that connection.

The answer came under pressure when Matlala was confronted with evidence suggesting he sent Msibi proof of payments and directed him to bank accounts where Maumela had allegedly indicated his money should be deposited.