Tense exchanges unfolded at the Madlanga Inquiry as lawyers representing alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala argued for another postponement of his testimony, citing concerns over his pending corruption case.
The commission is currently considering Matlala’s latest application, with commissioners questioning why he should not testify before his criminal trial gets underway.
Madlanga Inquiry Questions Vusimuzi Matlala’s Postponement Request
Matlala’s legal team told the inquiry that allowing him to testify at this stage could prejudice his defence in the corruption proceedings he is set to face.
Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga, however, challenged the reasoning behind the request, saying he struggled to understand why the commission should wait until the criminal matter had concluded.
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“Here’s a difficulty I have: surely facts cannot change, and facts are facts. I do not quite get why Mr Matlala could not have made his statement. He knows what the facts are, regardless of what the outcome of the plea deal were to be.”
Vusimuzi Matlala’s Lawyer Says Client Cannot Freely Answer Questions
Representing Matlala, advocate Annalene van den Heever maintained that ongoing legal processes prevented her client from responding fully to questions before the commission.
“I cannot, at this point, as an officer of the court, distinguish between what we can answer and cannot answer.”
The explanation prompted a pointed response from Madlanga.
“You will never understand me, but please go on.”
Van den Heever replied: “I do understand you quite clearly…”
Madlanga responded: “You don’t, you don’t.”
Madlanga Inquiry Yet To Decide On Testimony Delay
Van den Heever insisted that the scope of her client’s evidence remained extremely limited while related legal proceedings continued.
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“The only issue my client can answer, chairperson, at this point is who he doesn’t know,” she told the commission.
The Madlanga Inquiry is expected to determine whether Matlala’s application for a further postponement will be granted as proceedings continue.
