Vusimuzi Matlala invokes right against self-incrimination at Madlanga Commission

Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala refused to answer questions regarding a controversial South African Police Service tender awarded to his company, Medicare24, during his testimony before the Madlanga commission of inquiry. Matlala invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination, stating that he is currently facing criminal charges related to the contract and does not wish to provide evidence that could be used against him in court. The contract value is reported as R360 million by one source and R228 million by another. Matlala is facing money laundering charges in the Commercial Crimes Court, and the tender has since been terminated.

During the proceedings, Matlala denied having any relationship with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and deputy crime intelligence head Feroz Khan. He did, however, concede to having met KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The commission is investigating allegations that Matlala bankrolled police bosses, including Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri, to secure the tender. National police commissioner Fannie Masemola has also been named as a co-accused in charges related to the Public Finance Management Act.

Beyond the corruption inquiry, Matlala is facing separate criminal charges for orchestrating three failed hits between August 2022 and January 2024. The targets allegedly included taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, music producer Seunkie Mokubung, and former partner Tebogo Thobejane. Additionally, the commission questioned Matlala about an alleged memorandum of understanding that allowed his security vehicles to use blue lights, which are typically reserved for law enforcement.

Procedural disputes occurred at the start of the testimony. Matlala's lawyer, Anneline van den Heever, argued that her team had insufficient time to review 22,000 files of evidence. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello described the exchange of electronic responses as a "comedy of errors."