Alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is due back before the Madlanga Commission on Monday morning. His appearance, originally scheduled for 1 September 2026, has been brought forward to Monday and Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the commission on Sunday evening. Matlala is expected to begin giving evidence at 9:30am.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that Matlala will testify under subpoena on Monday, with his evidence expected to continue on Tuesday. He previously appeared before the commission on 15 July, when his testimony was postponed by chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission subsequently set his return for September before moving the dates forward.
Madlanga Commission To Hear Matlala’s Evidence On Police Tender
Matlala is linked to allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July, which contributed to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission.
The inquiry is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. Matlala is accused of benefiting from a multi-million-rand SAPS medical services contract.
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He is also accused of allegedly funding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s presidential ambitions and maintaining relationships with senior police officials in pursuit of alleged cartel interests. Matlala has denied the allegations against him. His evidence before the commission is expected to address matters linked to the allegations.
Matlala’s previous appearance was delayed after his advocate, Annelene van den Heever, argued that his legal team needed access to material relating to his abandoned plea and sentence agreement with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). The agreement involved Matlala pleading guilty and giving evidence against police officials he allegedly bribed. The alleged bribery was linked to a R360 million police health services tender.
Cat Matlala Plea Deal And R360 Million SAPS Contract
Under the agreement, Matlala was expected to receive an eight-year sentence. He withdrew from the agreement after the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court indicated that it was considering increasing the sentence to 12 years. Matlala now faces trial alongside police officials he had previously admitted to bribing.
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Evidence leader Mahlape Sello previously opposed the postponement of Matlala’s commission testimony. Sello argued that the abandoned plea agreement was not relevant to the commission’s investigation. She also stressed that evidence presented before the commission could not be used against Matlala in his criminal trial.
Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala Returns Under Commission Subpoena
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Following the earlier postponement, Justice Madlanga directed Matlala to submit his statement by 29 July and scheduled his evidence for September. The commission has now moved his appearance forward to Monday and Tuesday. Matlala will testify under subpoena when proceedings resume at 9:30am.
His return places him back at the centre of the inquiry into allegations involving senior police officials, political interference and alleged criminal networks. The commission will continue hearing his evidence over the two days. Matlala’s criminal case remains separate from the commission’s proceedings.
