Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala will testify despite fire alarm - Madlanga Commission

Businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala Business tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala will appear before the Madlanga Commission on Monday.

Despite a sudden fire alarm at the Madlanga Commission on Monday morning, the commission confirmed that the hearing of the alleged criminal boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will go ahead.

The commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels assured those waiting that all was in order and that the proceedings would continue.

“The Tshwane Emergency Services have assured us that the building is safe… I can also confirm that Mr Matlala is in the building,” Michaels said.

The alert forced the temporary evacuation of the hearing venue just before Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was expected to testify.

The alarm sounded at Brigitte Mabandla College shortly before the scheduled 9.30am start, sending commission officials, attendees and journalists outside as a precaution.

Tshwane Emergency Services firefighters responded to the scene, while a heavy police presence remained at the venue. No injuries were reported.

The unexpected disruption temporarily halted proceedings as authorities worked to establish what triggered the alarm and whether the building was safe to re-enter.

Matlala is expected to face questions during testimony that has attracted intense public and media attention.

His appearance before the commission had already placed Monday’s hearing firmly in the spotlight before the fire alarm abruptly changed the morning’s proceedings.