THE controversial Medicare24 contract came to light at Madlanga Commission, during the testimony by attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, this week.
Matlala concluded his appearance but will be recalled at the time the Commission deem fits.
During his testimony, he said does not wish to answer questions about the tender because a related criminal case is currently pending before the courts. He is set to appear for a court trial next Monday.
The Medicare24 contract is at the centre of corruption allegations being investigated by the Madlanga Commission, which is probing alleged criminal infiltration of law enforcement agencies.
On allegations he met suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Matlala flatly denied ever meeting Mchunu or had any relationship, alleging Mchunu wanted to replace Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo with suspended Major-General Feroz Khan.
“In light of the current pending criminal charges referred to herein, I am unable to comment further on this matter in that I do not wish to give evidence that may lead to self-incrimination and therefore I claim the privilege against self-incrimination. However, I do however wish to assist the commission as best as possible safe to say that I am unable to comment on matters that are sub judice.”
This week NPA dropped all charges against Lieutenant-General Khumalo and other accused.
Mchunu, who has been placed on leave of absence amid allegations surrounding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), is also the subject of allegations concerning his links to Matlala.
Matlala, during his testimony, told the commission that he was informed of the alleged plan by former Police Minister Bheki Cele, that he wanted to remove Lieutenant-Khumalo as Crime Intelligence head and replace him with Khan.
“This is according to Mr. Bheki Cele. He said to me, Mr. Senzo wants to fire General Kumalo and replace him with General Khan to that position of crime intelligence. That’s what I can remember on top of my head.”
On a wide range of issues such as his relationship with Maumela, suspended Sgt Sibiya, the ambushed taxi king Jotham ‘Mswasi’ Msibi, Motsumi, KT Molefe and others, he did not testify saying it “may lead to self-incrimination and therefore I claim the privilege against self-incrimination” since the matter is before court.
Today, Matlala is appearing at the Ekurhuleni Magistrate Court on new allegations on blue-lights contract, alongside suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Another taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni is appearing at the packed to capacity Madlanga Commission, of which security has been heightened.
Meanwhile, suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and other accused officials also appeared at the Pretoria Court on the Medica24 contract, today.
Morongoa Seleka, Masemola’s lawyer says they’re confident he will be ‘vindicated and are not panicking since they have confidence in the justice system of this country’.
The case has been postponed to September 29.
Image (Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni appearing at the packed to capacity Madlanga Commission, today in Pretoria.)
