By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has rejected meeting or having any intention to meet with the controversial businessman and underworld Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
SA Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng crime unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi made the claim at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane.
He has been accused of acting as an intermediary between suspected crime figures, government officials and senior police leadership.
Nkosi has faced questions over his conduct, including contact with members of the so-called Big Five cartel and his handling of sensitive information linked to high-profile cases.
Nkosi said Matlala had been looking for his credit card in November 2024, which he had left inside a jet ski at Hartbeespoort Dam. Matlala had phoned him multiple times, without success, because he was due to meet Mashatile and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and needed his credit card.
Evidence before the commission shows Nkosi’s home was raided in last year by police searching for credit card.
Following the raid, Nkosi said in a handwritten statement that Matlala contacted him, asking for the card back as he was meeting with Mashatile and Sibiya.
However, in both his written statement and oral testimony, Nkosi made no mention of Mashatile or the alleged meeting with Matlala.
When evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson questioned the omission, Nkosi said it was simply human error.
He denied trying to protect the Deputy President, adding that he did not know what the meeting with Matlala was about or whether it ever took place.
But in a sharp response, Mashatile said he does not know either Matlala or any of the individuals mentioned in the testimony.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Mashatile denied any link to Matlala, saying he was out of the country at the time he allegedly met him.
“Deputy President Mashatile categorically rejects Sergeant Nkosi’s claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Madlanga Inquiry fully should the Commission require any clarity or assistance from him, “said Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza.
Numerous witnesses have accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of being in collusion with Matlala. This is the first time Mashatile has been linked to Matlala, although Nkosi said he had not been privy to their interactions.