Cat Matlala’s Madlanga Commission Testimony Postponed Until September

Alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will no longer testify before the Madlanga Commission this month after his appearance was postponed until September. The decision follows an application by his legal team, which argued that his upcoming criminal trial could be affected if he testified now. Commissioners approved the postponement despite expressing reservations about the reasons advanced.

Matlala is expected to stand trial next week. His lawyers maintained that delaying his commission testimony was necessary to protect his right to a fair trial.

Cat Matlala Seeks Delay Ahead Of Criminal Trial

Cat Matlala’s legal representative, Annelene van den Heever, told the commission that her client required more time before giving evidence.

She argued that Matlala wanted access to material held by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) following the collapse of his plea negotiations with the State. According to the legal team, those documents are important before he appears before the commission.

Commissioners questioned the relevance of that request. They argued that the failed plea negotiations were unrelated to the work of the Madlanga Commission. The disagreement led to a heated exchange during the proceedings.

Madlanga Commission Grants Postponement Despite Objections

Although the commissioners were not persuaded by Matlala’s arguments, they ultimately agreed to postpone his testimony. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga delivered the commission’s ruling after considering the application. He also set deadlines that Matlala must comply with before his next appearance.

“Mr Matlala must file his statement not later than 29 July 2026. The hearing of his testimony is postponed to 1 September 2026 to continue until the hearing has been finalised.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Madlanga Warns Feroz Khan’s Lawyer Over ‘Speculative’ Claims About Commission

The ruling means Matlala will now testify after his criminal trial has commenced. The commission did not indicate that any other aspects of its programme would be affected by the postponement.

Cat Matlala Testimony Delayed For A Second Time

This is the second occasion on which Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission has been delayed. His appearance has attracted significant attention because of his ongoing legal matters and the commission’s investigation. He is now expected to return before the commission on 1 September, subject to complying with the order to submit his statement by the end of July.

The commission’s work will continue while preparations are made for Matlala’s rescheduled testimony.