‘I do not know Senzo Mchunu,’ Cat Matlala tells Madlanga commission

Alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told the Madlanga commission of inquiry that he has no relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and declined to give further details about several senior police officials named in evidence around the Medicare24 corruption matter.

Flat denial over ties to the minister

When questioned about an alleged relationship with Minister Senzo Mchunu, Matlala was unequivocal. He told the commission:

“I do not have any relationship with Minister Senzo Mchunu. I have never met Mchunu and have had no interactions with him, nor have I been at any gatherings where he was present.”

Advocate Mahlape Sello, the commission’s evidence leader, pressed Matlala on whether he had ever offered Mchunu any gift, benefit or inducement. Matlala denied that claim and also rejected suggestions that he had sought favours from the minister or communicated with him through intermediaries.

Questions about other senior police figures

Matlala was asked about alleged links with a number of senior police officials named during proceedings, including KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and crime intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan. The evidence leader also raised the names of suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona and senior organised crime officer Robert Shibiri.

Matlala did not provide substantive answers about all the officials who were named. He said he had deliberately left some names out of a supplementary statement, adding:

“There are some reasons I did that deliberately, because I have reasons why I did not include them.”

Recordings and unanswered questions

Matlala linked the omissions to recordings in which he is alleged to have claimed corrupt relationships with senior police officials, and he disputed aspects of those recordings. His refusal to elaborate on the omitted names left questions unanswered about the alleged police network at the centre of the inquiry.

Proceedings continue

The Madlanga commission remains in session as it hears testimony and examines evidence related to the Medicare24 procurement and linked allegations.