By Anita Dangazele
- Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala will testify before the Madlanga Commission on 15 July after agreeing to submit a written statement first.
- He also faces 25 charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, over three shootings, in a Johannesburg trial starting 20 July.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala now has three dates to worry about, all within two weeks.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga confirmed on Wednesday that Matlala will testify before the Madlanga Commission on 15 July. Matlala joined the hearing virtually and was told to come prepared. Evidence leaders and his lawyers agreed to the date so he can first submit a written statement.
“Mr Matlala, you just must submit your statement tomorrow,” Madlanga told him.
Matlala has remained in custody since the commission began hearing evidence in September.
His name has come up repeatedly, linked to bribery of senior police officers, misuse of confidential police information and tenders worth millions of rand. Witnesses have also linked him to senior ANC politicians and Cabinet ministers.
The commission is not his only problem.
Matlala faces 25 separate charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder, over three shootings between August 2022 and January 2024. That trial starts on 20 July at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
His corruption case adds a third deadline. A magistrate rejected the eight year prison sentence Matlala agreed with the state and proposed 12 years instead. Matlala and prosecutors have until 13 July to decide whether to accept the new term.
Three separate cases. Three separate dates. All landing within the same fortnight.
Pictured above: Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala during a previous court appearance.
Image source: File
