Matlala’s testimony was measured and strategic: Analyst – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

Political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze says attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission, has largely reinforced evidence already presented by other witnesses.

Matlala read his statement into the record, while his lawyers cautioned against questions that could expose him to self-incrimination in his criminal trial.

Kotze says Matlala was measured and strategic in his responses and believes the commission will push for greater detail when his supplementary statement is presented later this month.

“ I think what he has presented to us is evidence, but one got the feeling that he is not speaking freely, that he is very calculated in the way in which he presents his evidence that he does not incriminate himself or expose himself as well as the persons he was talking about. A lot of the matters that were traced today have been presented to the commission in different forms earlier on, also by other witnesses.”

Matlala has concluded the first day of his testimony before the commission. He claimed the privilege against self-incrimination when questioned about the SAPS Medicare 24 tender, saying a related criminal case is pending before the courts.

He also denied ever meeting or having a relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, while alleging that Mchunu wanted to replace Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo with suspended Major-General Feroz Khan.

The Medicare 24 contract is at the centre of corruption allegations being investigated by the Madlanga Commission, which is probing alleged criminal infiltration of law enforcement agencies.

Matlala told the commission that he does not wish to answer questions about the tender because a related criminal case is currently pending before the courts.

“ In light of the current pending criminal charges referred to herein, I am unable to comment further on this matter in that I do not wish to give evidence that may lead to self-incrimination and therefore I claim the privilege against self-incrimination. However, I do however wish to assist the commission as best as possible safe to say that I am unable to comment on matters that are sub judice.”

Matlala testified that he does not know Mchunu and has never met him. Mchunu, who has been placed on leave of absence amid allegations surrounding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), is also the subject of allegations concerning his links to Matlala.

Matlala, who was being led in evidence by Advocate Mahlape Sello, testified that he has never offered Mchunu a gift or sponsorship, either directly or indirectly.

Advocate Sello: Confining ourselves to Minister Mchunu, if you look at paragraph 2.2.6 of the notice, do you confirm that you have not taken any step that constitutes an offer of gift or sponsorship to Minister Mchunu, whether directly or indirectly? Is that your position?

The commission further heard that Mchunu allegedly wanted suspended deputy Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan to become head of the division.

Matlala told the commission that he was informed of the alleged plan by former Police Minister Bheki Cele.

He claims that Cele told him that Mchunu wanted to remove Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo as Crime Intelligence head and replace him with Khan.

“This is according to Mr. Bheki Cele. He said to me, Mr. Senzo wants to fire General Kumalo and replace him with General Khan to that position of crime intelligence. That’s what I can remember on top of my head.”

Matlala will return to the commission next week Monday and Tuesday. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has ruled that if Matlala does not conclude his testimony on those days, he will continue until Wednesday.

He has also directed that Matlala’s answering affidavit be filed by Friday, while his replying affidavit and heads of argument must be filled by Saturday.

“ The replying affidavit and heads of argument must be filed by Mr. Matlala at 18 hours on the 22nd of August 2026, and the evidence leaders must file their heads of argument by 1800 hours.”