WITH heated exchanges between accused cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, his lawyer advocate Annelene Van Den Heever, and the commissioners having toned down, Matlala continues with his testimony at the Madlanga Commission.
On Tuesday, co-Commissioner Sisi Baloyi was so irritated he told Matlala “don’t think you are here for an outing, that’s not the case” as the “Cat” invoked not to incriminate himself provision.
On Wednesday, as he continued with testimony Matlala, mentioned that Matlala alleged that investigators wanted him to provide incriminating information against senior police figures, including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Dumisani Khumalo.
The commission also heard of “Project Diversion”, an alleged controversial investigation led by former Idac head Andrea Johnson, that targeted Masemola and Khumalo.
Matlala was also questioned on the missing of alleged drug dealer Boshoga, and he Matlala confirmed that they were ‘friends’ but has no clue on his whereabouts.
In his affidavit Matlala’s sets out personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the Medicare24 SAPS contract, and at times did not want to incriminate himself by mentioning some of the SAPS Generals who are implicated.
One of the most contentious aspects of Matlala’s Section 204 statement, the commission heard, concerns his alleged financial relationship with former senior police officer Shadrack Sibiya, who is facing allegations of sexually grooming a child and a separate rape case.
Sibiya resigned on 12 October 2026 while facing disciplinary proceedings and remains in custody pending the outcome of his bail application.
But Matlala dropped another bombshell before the commission, alleging that he had been coerced into lying about Sibiya when he testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
He claimed that Sibiya repeatedly warned his wife that Matlala should not reveal anything about him to the parliamentary committee.
According to Matlala, the threats extended to his life and the safety of his family should he disclose the truth.
These allegations add another dimension to the relationship between the two men: not only the alleged flow of money, but also claims of intimidation and pressure to conceal their dealings.
Matlala also mentioned that former Police Minister Bheki Cele, was given R200 000 to help deal with problems that emanated in relation to the Medicare24 SAPS contract.
Matlala also pointed out that he transferred R500,000 from his company account into Koffi Trading account before arranging for the money to be transferred to a company belonging to his friend, Given Makofane.
During today’s testimony on Wednesday, Matlala was represented by another lawyer in the absence of his advocate Van Den Heever.
Image provided (If only. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and lawyer exchanged heated blows with the Commissioners on Tuesday.)
