PRETORIA, Monday 24 August 2026 — The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has refused an application by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to postpone his testimony, requiring his legal team to proceed with arguments over the extent to which he may invoke his right against self-incrimination while appearing before the inquiry.
Matlala returned to the commission on Monday after his evidence was adjourned a week earlier to allow him to consult his lawyers and submit supplementary information addressing questions raised by the commission’s evidence leaders.
His legal team sought another postponement, telling the commission that access to Matlala at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre had made consultation difficult. Advocate Fatima Missi also told the inquiry that lead counsel Annelene van den Heever was unwell and unable to attend proceedings in person.
After allowing a brief consultation, the commissioners declined the application.
The ruling means Matlala’s lawyers must make substantive submissions on Monday over his reliance on the constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Matlala has previously declined to answer several questions linked to a multimillion-rand SAPS healthcare contract, saying his responses could prejudice criminal proceedings against him. His evidence was postponed on 17 August after he invoked that concern repeatedly during questioning.
The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Matlala’s evidence has become a significant part of the inquiry because testimony and documents before the commission have examined his relationships with police officials, businessmen and individuals alleged by witnesses to have links to organised criminal networks.
The legal dispute over self-incrimination will determine how far the commission can press Matlala on issues that overlap with pending or related criminal proceedings while respecting his constitutional protections.
Further evidence is expected once the commission has dealt with the legal arguments raised by his representatives.
