Cat Matlala grilled over Maumela, Msibi links at Madlanga
· The South African
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has opened up about his friendship with businessman Hangwani Maumela while drawing a clear distinction between that relationship and his association with the late Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi.
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Matlala returned to the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, 25 August, where evidence leaders continued probing his connections to businessmen who have featured in evidence before the inquiry.
His latest testimony comes just a day after he refused to answer questions about Maumela, citing concerns that he could incriminate himself.
MATLALA REVEALS HOW MAUMELA FRIENDSHIP STARTED
Matlala told the commission that he met Maumela around 2015 or 2016.
He said the pair shared a passion for sports cars and would see each other at a restaurant in Sandton, where their friendship developed.
Matlala had already confirmed during earlier testimony that he knew Maumela.
However, he took a different approach when evidence leaders questioned him about Maumela on Monday.
Matlala refused to answer certain questions, telling the commission that he and Maumela were being investigated in a money-laundering-related matter.
The commission established that the investigation Matlala referred to related to the Special Investigating Unit’s probe into alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital.
Authorities have separately pursued assets linked to Maumela following investigations into procurement at the hospital.
MATLALA DRAWS LINE BETWEEN MAUMELA AND MSIBI
While Matlala describes Maumela as a friend, he has rejected the suggestion that he shared the same relationship with Msibi.
Matlala acknowledged that he knew Msibi but denied that the two were friends.
The distinction has become important as the commission scrutinises Matlala’s connections to people who have surfaced in evidence about alleged criminal networks.
Matlala previously confirmed that he met several people at Msibi’s residence.
When evidence leader Mahlape Sello asked whether Katiso Molefe and two other men were friends of Msibi, Matlala agreed. He also confirmed that he met them at Msibi’s home.
He nevertheless denied having a relationship or dealings with Molefe.
Evidence before the commission has linked Msibi to the alleged “Big Five” cartel. The commission has also examined WhatsApp messages from Msibi as part of its investigation into the network.
MONDAY’S HEARING TURNS INTO LEGAL STAND-OFF
Matlala’s latest testimony follows a turbulent day at the commission on Monday, 24 August.
His lawyers asked the commission to postpone proceedings until Tuesday, saying they needed additional time to prepare arguments over his right against self-incrimination.
The commission rejected the request and ordered the matter to proceed.
The dispute escalated when Matlala’s legal team raised the prospect of withdrawing if the commission forced them to continue without more time.
But Matlala then told commissioners that he had not decided whether his lawyers should withdraw.
After further consultation, he clarified that he wanted to retain his legal team and would continue giving evidence.
MADLANGA CHALLENGES MATLALA’S REFUSAL TO ANSWER
The commission also challenged Matlala’s repeated attempts to invoke his right against self-incrimination.
Matlala has refused to answer several questions about matters connected to pending investigations and criminal proceedings.
On Monday, the commission focused on an affidavit Matlala submitted during a collapsed plea agreement involving the R228 million SAPS healthcare tender awarded to his company, Medicare24.
His legal team opposed attempts to gain access to the affidavit.
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga declined to make an immediate ruling on whether the commission could obtain it without first receiving full written arguments.
However, he directed Matlala to answer questions unless he could substantively explain how a particular answer could incriminate him.
The commission continues to examine Matlala’s relationships and the allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption that have surfaced during its investigation.