By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A fire alarm prompted the emergency evacuation of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry venue at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Attendees, staff, and media moved outside safely, and emergency services responded to inspect the premises.
No injuries were reported.
The commission has assured the public that its premises remain safe after the fire alarm incident on Monday morning.
The commission’s spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said they are investigating what triggered the alarm.
Michaels said emergency procedures were followed “to the T” and the building was declared safe after evacuation protocols were executed.”
Despite a sudden fire alarm, underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala begun his testimony.
Matlala’s appearance was initially scheduled for 1 September but was brought forward to 17 August. His early appearance before the commission followed a revised timetable set by the judge overseeing his separate attempted murder case in the Johannesburg High Court.
He has been charged with orchestrating three failed hits between August 2022 and January 2024 targeting taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, music producer Seunkie Mokubung (DJ Vettys) and Matlala’s former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane.
Evidence leader Mahlape Sello and Matlala’s lawyer, advocate Anneline van den Heever, spent the opening part of the proceedings arguing over whether Matlala’s affidavit should be read into the record and when he would be expected to respond to new evidence bundles.
He is also appearing in the Commercial Crimes Court on money laundering charges relating to the R360 million Medicare24 contract, of which R50 million was paid before the contract was stopped.
Medicare24 was contracted to provide wellness checks to the South African Police Service in a contract that has been described as irregular. The matter has resulted in criminal charges against 12 senior police officials and three company directors.
National police commissioner Fannie Masemola was later added as Matlala’s 16th co-accused on charges related to the Public Finance Management Act.
Testifying before the commission on Monday, Matlala said he had no relationship with Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi before police raided his home on 6 December 2025.
Matlala told the commission he now hates fellow criminally accused Mogotsi, whom he accuses of causing significant problems in his life.
He said he had no relationship with Mogotsi before police raided his home on 6 December 2025. He said Mogotsi contacted him two days later, claiming he could help him open a case against the police.
Matlala said he only remained in contact with Mogotsi on the advice of former Police Minister, Bheki Cele.
Matlala also told the commission that Cele had informed him that suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, was planning to remove, General Dumisani Khumalo and replace him with General Feroz Khan, as head of Crime Intelligence.
Matlala, however denied having any links to Mchunu.
He said that he could not recall ever interacting with Mchunu or attending any social gatherings where the suspended minister was present.
When the commission’s evidence leader asked whether anyone could have interacted with Mchunu on his behalf, Matlala maintained that his only recent contact had been with Mchunu’s legal representatives in connection with litigation matters.
Matlala further said suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, is a friend of his.
The commission questioned Matlala about his alleged links to the department and some of its employees.
Matlala also declined to answer questions about delivering impalas to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya.
He said the audio recording relating to the matter is under investigation.
Previously, the commission heard a voice note from an unidentified delivery man who was asking via detained SAPS Sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s WhatsApp where the wild game should be dropped off. Nkosi told the commission he passed message on to Sibiya.
Matlala also declined to comment on whether he was induced or threatened to give false information, saying he does not want to incriminate himself.
Meanwhile, controversial Mpumalanga businessman, Sibanyoni is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission on 28 August and again on 2 September 2026.