Cat Matlala Claims IDAC Wanted Him To Implicate Top Police Officials

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that officers from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) wanted him to implicate senior police officials in criminal activities.

The alleged criminal mastermind is disputing several claims contained in an affidavit prepared as part of his now-collapsed plea agreement with IDAC. He also alleges that he never made some of the statements attributed to him.

Matlala claims investigators wanted him to implicate National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, former Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

He disputed allegations that he repeatedly visited Sibiya's home and denied being close to Masemola's daughter. He also rejected claims that he secured a R360 million police tender through the National Police Commissioner.

Matlala further alleged that IDAC officers did not take him directly to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre when transferring him from Kokstad, but instead took him to the Sheraton Hotel.

Madlanga Commission Rejects Matlala's Attempt To Block Questions

Earlier on Monday, the Madlanga Commission rejected Matlala's attempt to prevent it from questioning him about information contained in documents linked to his failed plea agreement with IDAC.

Evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello said Matlala's legal team had known about the signed statement and its annexures since August but only raised objections when proceedings resumed on Monday.

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She accused the defence of seeking to undermine the commission's work.

“They could have instituted legal proceedings to interdict this commission from relying on that statement. And once again, a court would have made a determination on whether or not there is a basis to so interdict the commission. They instead elected to do none of the above. They did not even submit a written formal objection and the legal basis thereof before the commission.”

Matlala's lawyer also raised objections to the evidence the commission intends to use, delaying the start of his testimony.

Advocate Annelene van den Heever is opposing the admission of the plea agreement Matlala entered into with IDAC, arguing that its use would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

Defence Challenges Use Of Section 105A And 204 Evidence

Van den Heever also raised outstanding issues concerning the applicability of the Criminal Procedure Act, with the defence seeking to place further correspondence on record.

“We vehemently oppose the use of either the 105A or the reported 204, whether it's the affidavit or whatever is presented here, to be used by the commission,” she said.

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The defence's objections centre on the use of material connected to Matlala's failed plea agreement and whether it can be relied upon during the commission's proceedings.

Matlala's testimony comes amid ongoing scrutiny of allegations involving senior police officials and their alleged links to criminal activity.