Cat Matlala’s Madlanga testimony postponed: Here’s why
· The South African
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission was postponed until September after the inquiry granted his application for more time.
Matlala was due to testify before the commission on Wednesday, 15 July. However, the inquiry rescheduled his appearance to 1 September 2026 after his legal team argued that testifying could prejudice his pending criminal trial.
Visit sports24.club for more information.
The decision came two days after Matlala withdrew from a plea and sentence agreement in the R228 million Medicare24 SAPS healthcare services tender case during his appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Lawyers seek more time
Matlala’s legal team told the commission that he is due to stand trial next week. They also raised concerns about his collapsed plea agreement, saying they needed more time to advise him before he testified.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned whether the application justified the delay. After hearing submissions from both sides, the commission granted the request.
New deadlines set
The commission ordered Matlala to submit his witness statement by 29 July.
He must return on 1 September, when he is expected to begin giving evidence.
The delay means one of the inquiry’s most anticipated witnesses will now appear several weeks later than planned.
Why Matlala’s testimony matters
The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Previous witnesses have linked Matlala to allegations involving senior police officials, the SAPS Medicare24 tender and alleged interference in policing matters.
Those allegations form part of the commission’s proceedings but have not been tested in court.
Matlala has not been convicted of any offence linked to the commission’s proceedings and remains presumed innocent.