Madlanga Commission to hear Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala testimony

The Madlanga Commission will on Monday begin hearing testimony from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The Madlanga Commission has confirmed that alleged crime boss and business tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is set to appear before the commission on Monday and Tuesday.

The commission said Matlala would begin testifying at 9:30am on both days.

Matlala first appeared before the commission on July 15. However, in terms of a ruling handed down by commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, his testimony was postponed to September 1.

IOL previously reported that Matlala had sought to have his testimony postponed, arguing that appearing before the commission ahead of his criminal trial could compromise his right to a fair hearing.

Madlanga subsequently ordered Matlala to submit his statement to the commission no later than July 29.

Matlala’s lawyer, Advocate Annalene van den Heever, told the commission that he was scheduled to stand trial and should not be required to testify beforehand.

She said Matlala was prepared to co-operate but needed time to prepare evidence that was truthful, accurate and supported by verified facts. Until then, she argued, he could only confirm or deny whether he knew people linked to the commission’s investigation.

Madlanga was unconvinced, questioning the basis of the request and indicating that the pending criminal case did not automatically justify delaying the commission’s proceedings.

Van den Heever maintained her position, telling Madlanga: “I stand by my position, chair, that my client cannot go ahead.”

Matlala’s testimony is expected to examine his alleged links to senior politicians, law enforcement officials and government-connected business dealings.

Matlala first built his business interests in the private security industry before expanding into healthcare services.

In 2018, through his company Medicare24 Tshwane District, he partnered with Mike van Wyk to roll out the Medicare24 franchise in township communities.

Matlala came under intense public scrutiny after his company was awarded a South African Police Service healthcare services contract worth about R228 million in June 2024.