Madlanga Commission pushes ‘Cat’ Matlala testimony to September 1

Chair sets deadline for written statement

Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that Matlala must submit his statement not later than July 29. The commission is currently in session.

Legal team sought delay over pending criminal trial

Representing Matlala, Adv. Annalene van den Heever told the commission her client is scheduled to stand trial on Monday and argued he should not be required to testify before that criminal proceeding. She said Matlala is prepared to cooperate but needs time to prepare evidence that is “truthful, accurate and supported by verified facts.”

Van den Heever told the commission that, until Matlala is able to prepare that evidence, he could only “confirm or deny whether he knows people linked to the commission’s investigation.”

Chair questions relevance of delay request

Justice Madlanga challenged the basis of the request, indicating that a pending criminal case did not automatically justify postponing the commission’s proceedings. The chair said,

“Your argument is not relevant to this matter.”

Van den Heever replied,

“I stand by my position chair that my client cannot go ahead”

with testimony.

Context: collapsed plea and sentence agreement

The application to delay Matlala’s testimony follows the collapse of his plea and sentence agreement in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Magistrate Ignatius du Preez rejected a proposed effective eight-year sentence as too lenient and instead proposed an effective 12-year sentence. Matlala refused the tougher sentence and withdrew from the agreement.

Matlala had pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to an irregular R228 million South African Police Service health and wellness tender awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. The reporting states that more than R50 million had already been paid before an audit uncovered alleged corruption and the contract was halted.

Scope of expected testimony

The commission said Matlala’s testimony is expected to probe his alleged links to senior politicians, law enforcement officials and government-connected business dealings.