Vusimuzi Cat Matlala Subpoenaed To Appear Before Madlanga Commission Next Week

Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been subpoenaed to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry next Tuesday.

Matlala is expected to testify on allegations relating to corruption, political interference and the alleged influence of organised crime within law enforcement structures.

Cat Matlala To Appear Before Madlanga Commission

Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed on Thursday that Matlala had been subpoenaed to appear before the inquiry.

He described Matlala as a key figure in the commission’s investigation and said preparations for his appearance were being handled carefully because of the nature of the allegations.

“The commission can confirm that Mr Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has been subpoenaed to appear before the Commission next Tuesday. We don’t want to say much more than that at this point. Needless to say, Mr ‘Cat’ Matlala is a central figure in the commission’s inquiry, and the arrangements around and preparation for his appearance are obviously extremely sensitive.”

Matlala has previously been implicated during evidence before the commission, including allegations that he had corrupt relationships with senior police officials and influenced procurement processes involving state contracts.

He has also entered into a plea agreement with the State in a separate criminal case involving the R228 million SAPS Medicare24 tender.

Madlanga Commission Declines To Comment On Criminal Proceedings

Questions were raised about how the commission would manage Matlala’s testimony while criminal proceedings and plea negotiations are ongoing.

Michaels said the commission would not comment on matters that fall outside its mandate.

“Clearly, as you say, it is a complex matter, and I really do not want to get into what will eventually no doubt be ventilated before the commission. Aside from confirming his appearance next Tuesday, we are not going to say anything more and let’s see how it unfolds next week.”

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He also dismissed speculation that there were disputes over access to Matlala because of his reported cooperation with other investigative bodies.

“As far as we are concerned, that is pure speculation. The commission has very clear terms of reference, and we are conducting ourselves and our inquiry accordingly within those terms of reference.”

Security Plans In Place For Cat Matlala’s Appearance

Matlala is expected to appear before the commission while in custody, prompting questions about security arrangements.

Michaels confirmed that special measures would be implemented but said operational details would not be made public.

“As you say, there hasn’t been a witness appearing before the commission who is incarcerated, obviously, given that we are talking about security-related matters, by its very nature, we are not going to discuss that in public.”

He said the commission remained focused on completing its work despite public speculation surrounding the inquiry.

“The theatrics and drama are not our forte; we are squarely focused on ensuring that we bring before the commission the witnesses that are needed.”

Michaels added that Matlala’s testimony would be an important part of the commission’s work.

“Safe to say it’s not like any other day, Mr Matlala is central to the Commission’s inquiry.”

The commission is expected to submit its final report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by 31 August. More witnesses are scheduled to testify as the inquiry enters its final stages.