By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala testifies on 26 November before the parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry at Pretoria’s Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images).
The underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to be heard on the 1st of September 2026.
The testimony will delve into allegations of fraudulent police tenders, corruption, the abuse of blue lights and claims of criminal networks operating with the protection of insiders in law enforcement.
During the proceedings, Advocate Annalene van den Heever, representing Matlala, engaged in a heated exchange with commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga while requesting postponement.
She argued that the matter should be delayed because Matlala has another court appearance scheduled for the following week.
She relied on the minority judgment in the Jacob Zuma matter, though commissioners questioned whether that authority supports a blanket rule that accused persons can never testify before a commission prior to finalisation of criminal proceedings.
Matlala’s counsel indicated they were prepared to approach court if necessary.
She also noted both witnesses, including Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, relied on statements given by Matlala, and argued that testifying now would prejudice his ability to run his trial.
Justice Madlanga was unconvinced, questioning the relevance of the argument and indicating that the pending criminal case did not automatically justify delaying the commission’s proceedings.
“Your argument is not relevant to this matter,” the chair said.
Van den Heever, said “I stand by my position chair that my client cannot go ahead”.
Justice Madlanga made a ruling that Matlala is expected to file his statement before the 29th of July 2026 and his testimony will be heard in September, 1, 2026.
Over the years, Matlala would be arrested for a string of crimes, including house robberies, a cash-in-transit heist and assault. He denied involvement in them all and was either acquitted or had the charges withdrawn against him.
Many South Africans, anxious to understand the mechanics of the alleged corruption, hope that come 1 September Matlala may hold the answers.
Suleiman Carrim’s medical records
North West businessman Suliman Carrim has been spotted at a shopping centre in the Western Cape.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC said the information had been brought to the commission and they had made further attempts to corroborate it and had requested CCTV footage from the centre.
Carrim had submitted a doctor’s note to the commission ahead of his expected appearance this week which stated that he was unable to testify.
Chaskalson said Carrim’s sick note appeared to explain his inability to appear, but it did not explain his failure to answer the Regulation 10.6 notices served on him.
Carrim’s lawyer, Advocate Kameel Premhid, said the confidential medical report addresses the contention that there is an inability to explain attendance and provide answers.
He said Carrim suffered a medical incident on April 13, and according to their version, he has been receiving medical treatment since then.
Carrim was implicated in an alleged money laundering scheme involving Matlala and tender tycoon Hangwani Maumela.
Matlala asked Carrim to pay R750,000 to Maumela. He refused, but later paid R500,000 to Luthagha Trading Enterprise — linked to Maumela’s sister — after Maumela claimed he controlled the account.
Chaskalson said, the commission will issue a subpoena to the hospital where Carrim was admitted to determine his admission and discharge dates. A further subpoena will be sent to his doctor in Cape Town to ascertain when Carrim was seen.
He proposed that Carrim’s appearance or non-appearance be stood down until Friday morning, when it could be considered as part of a postponement application.
Brigadier Dineo Mokwele’s arrest
IDAC investigator Brian Padayachee told the commission on Wednesday that SAPS Brigadier Dineo Mokwele was arrested alongside Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and several other senior officers, on charges of fraud and corruption related to her irregular appointment and vetting.
The revelation sparked intense questioning from the commission, with commissioners challenging how investigators could justify arresting and prosecuting someone over conduct they admitted had not yet taken place.
He said the alleged benefit linked to Mokwele’s appointment would only arise later because of the position she had accepted.
He acknowledged that investigators did not know when the alleged unlawful act would occur.
“We do not know when that would be, but we don’t know, that’s precisely the problem,” Padayachee told the commission.
His explanation was met with sharp criticism.
Co-commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned how investigators could obtain arrest warrants, lay criminal charges and bring people before court while admitting they did not know whether the alleged offence would ever be committed.
The commission also heard that the SAPS TSS unit was recruiting specialised technical expertise rather than a traditional career police officer.
According to submissions before the inquiry, Mokwele’s qualifications in mechatronics and industrial engineering, together with her experience as an engineer at BMW, made her well-suited for the position.
Her legal team told the commission that the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) had verified her qualifications. Mokwele holds a National Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.