Matlala’s legal team threatens to walk out of Madlanga Commission – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

Madlanga Commission continues Monday afternoon, after a tense exchange earlier over a hypothetical scenario in which businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal team said it would walk out, if the Commission proceeded without granting them additional time to prepare their client.

However, when questioned directly, Matlala said he had not made up his mind on whether his lawyers should withdraw.

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi described the conflicting positions presented by Matlala and his legal counsel Advocate Fatima Missi as deeply problematic.

“Ms. Missi, what’s happening now is deeply problematic. I asked you directly, is it your instructions from Mr. Matala? You said yes. That’s deeply problematic. Whatever stand-down you get to go and consult with him, I would like you to end on that note from me. It’s deeply problematic what just happened now, and I hope you find a way to address it. Because what it suggests and represents is what you said in response to my questions is that is not the true position, given what Mr. Matala is saying now.” says Baloyi.

Video: Madlanga Commission denies Matlala’s request for postponement

The Commission rejected a request to postpone hearings over whether Matlala can invoke his right against self-incrimination.

Matlala stunned the Commission by claiming he was unaware of his lawyers’ decision to withdraw.

“So I’m actually in the dark now because while I was having lunch, I didn’t have enough time to conclude what we’ve been discussing. So, we just came right straight here. So, I do not know whether my legal counsel, what they are saying now is what comes from Mrs. van de Heever as an instruction or not. So I’m actually in the dark, I don’t know what to say. We’ve discussed the options, yes but I haven’t had the time to make up my own mind.” says Matlala.