Vusimuzi Matlala threatens court action over Madlanga Commission proceedings

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala threatened to approach the courts to halt his testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Monday after his lead counsel, Annalise van den Heever, fell ill. Matlala stated he was not prepared to be cross examined without Van der Heever and argued that he required an extra day to prepare a replying affidavit and heads of argument. His junior counsel, Fatima Missi, informed the commission that Matlala felt it was unfair to proceed without his lead counsel and that he would seek an urgent court interdict if a postponement until Tuesday, 25 August, was not granted. Missi also noted that delays at the correctional facility had hindered the legal team's ability to consult with Matlala. Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga responded that the commission was prepared to proceed without written submissions, noting that such documents primarily assist the decision maker rather than the arguer. While one report focuses on the legal conflict and the threat of a court application, another report describes the event as the resumption of testimony following a previous postponement for legal consultations.