Fair-trial dispute delays Matlala’s commission testimony

By Johnathan Paoli

The Madlanga Commission has postponed the testimony of tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala until 1 September after his legal team raised concerns about his impending criminal trial and sought records linked to a failed plea-and-sentence agreement in a separate case.

Matlala had been scheduled to appear before the commission on Wednesday, but his lawyer, Advocate Anneline van den Heever, said she was not yet in a position to advise him properly on the evidence he could give without potentially prejudicing his fair-trial rights.

The commission ordered Matlala to file a statement by 29 July. His evidence will begin on 1 September and continue until it has been completed.

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Matlala is due to stand trial in the Johannesburg High Court from 20 July alongside