Cat Matlala is back at the Madlanga Commission. What's in dispute
Cat Matlala returned to the Madlanga Commission on 9 November for two days of testimony. The commission must decide how Section 105A(10) limits what he can be asked.
Businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala returned to the Madlanga Commission on Monday, 9 November, and is scheduled to testify on 9 and 10 November. The big question is what he can be asked about. The commission ordered both sides to argue how Section 105A(10) of the Criminal Procedure Act applies, after his plea and sentence agreement in a criminal case fell through. (IOL)
Why is Matlala back at the commission?
Matlala first testified in August, but he repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about a SAPS tender and alleged dealings with police officials, IOL reported. His testimony was left unfinished, and the commission set 9 and 10 November for him to return. The October 1 date had been postponed to 14 December before being brought forward, according to IOL.
His company, Medicare24, secured a SAPS healthcare contract in 2024 that SAPS cancelled in May 2025 after an internal audit. Criminal charges against him remain before the courts, and he has not been convicted. (IOL)
What is the legal dispute about?
On 7 November the commission directed its evidence leaders and Matlala's lawyers to file written arguments of up to 15 pages each by 5pm on Sunday, 8 November. The arguments deal with how Section 105A(10) affects the matters Matlala may be questioned about. (IOL)
The dispute follows the collapse of his plea agreement in the criminal case linked to the SAPS healthcare tender, according to IOL.
What does Section 105A(10) say?
Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act covers plea and sentence agreements. Subsection 10 applies when a criminal trial starts afresh after such an agreement falls away. In that case:
| What the law says | In plain terms |
|---|---|
| The agreement is null and void | It no longer has any legal effect |
| No regard may be had or reference made to the negotiations, the agreement or any record of it | The deal and the talks around it can't be relied on |
| This applies unless the accused consents to recording some or all of the admissions | Admissions only stand if the accused agrees |
| The parties may not make a new plea deal on charges from the same facts | There's no second deal on the same case |
Source: Criminal Procedure Act, Section 105A(10)
How this applies to a commission of inquiry, rather than a criminal trial, is what the commission has to decide.
What happened on Monday morning?
The commission briefly adjourned before Matlala's testimony resumed after his advocate, Anneline van den Heever, asked for time to consult the evidence leaders, SABC News reported. SABC listed the sitting as day 190 of the inquiry.
Who else is due to testify?
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission will hear from numerous other witnesses under subpoena in the coming weeks, according to The Citizen.
| Witness | Role |
|---|---|
| Senzo Mchunu | Minister |
| Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi | Senior police officer |
| Lt Gen Dumisani Khumalo | Senior police officer |
Source: The Citizen
The commission is now in Phase Two, which gives people implicated in earlier testimony a chance to respond, IOL reported. Public hearings were paused before the 4 November local government elections, but the commission kept hearing evidence in camera during October and early November.
When is the final report due?
The final report is due to be delivered to President Cyril Ramaphosa by 25 January 2027, according to The Citizen. The commission has also said it is no longer accepting new submissions, though it will still take information that helps with matters already being looked at.
Is there anything else coming up for Matlala?
Yes. The attempted murder trial against Matlala and four co-accused was postponed to Thursday at the High Court in Johannesburg, SABC News reported.
How can you follow the hearings?
SABC News and eNCA are carrying the hearings live. The hearings are taking place at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. (IOL)
FAQ
When is Cat Matlala testifying at the Madlanga Commission?
Vusimuzi Matlala is scheduled to testify on Monday, 9 November and Tuesday, 10 November 2026, according to the commission.
What is Section 105A(10) of the Criminal Procedure Act?
It says that when a trial starts afresh after a plea and sentence agreement falls away, the agreement is null and void, and no reference may be made to it or the negotiations, unless the accused consents to admissions being recorded.
When is the Madlanga Commission's final report due?
The final report is due to President Cyril Ramaphosa by 25 January 2027, according to The Citizen.
Where are the Madlanga Commission hearings held?
The public hearings are held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.