Matlala’s testimony was measured and strategic: Analyst

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.” VIDEO | Madlanga Commission proceedings on 17 August 2026: 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.