Matlala returns to Madlanga Commission to face fresh questions on Medicare24 and meetings

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala returned to the Madlanga Commission on Monday to resume testimony and face further questioning, including over his controversial Medicare24 Tshwane contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Postponement and volume of evidence

The hearing was delayed last week after Matlala’s appearance was moved forward from September and his legal team said they were unprepared. His advocate told the commission the defence had been overwhelmed by the volume of material delivered at short notice, saying the documents far exceeded 2,000 pages.

The advocate also told the commission that the defence and evidence leaders had only received the bundles the previous afternoon.

Outstanding matters and limits on testimony

Commission records show Matlala had not yet filed a supplementary affidavit addressing questions from evidence leaders. He is expected to answer those outstanding issues when proceedings continue.

During an earlier appearance Matlala read from his statement but declined to answer questions about matters before the courts, including his Medicare24 Tshwane contract with the SAPS. The source states he is due to stand trial over that matter next month.

Meetings at Jonathan Msibi’s home

The commission also revisited Matlala’s acknowledgements about meetings at the home of the late taxi boss Jonathan Msibi. Matlala confirmed he had met businessmen at Msibi’s residence and answered

“Yes, that’s correct.”

when asked if those three people were Msibi’s friends.

The commission is expected to press him further on those meetings when proceedings resume.

What remains

Proceedings will continue with the outstanding affidavit issues and additional questioning about Matlala’s links to the Medicare24 contract and the meetings at Msibi’s home.