Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal team has threatened to withdraw from the Madlanga Commission after the alleged cartel boss instructed his lawyers to quit if he is required to continue without his lead advocate, Annaline van den Heever.
Advocate Fatima Missi told the commission that Matlala had ordered the withdrawal of his entire legal team, including Van den Heever, if proceedings continued without his primary counsel.
“We are ordered to withdraw as Matlala representatives,” Missi told the inquiry.
The move followed concerns over Matlala’s ability to properly consult his lawyers at Kgosi Mampuru II C-Max prison, as well as complaints about late affidavits and heads of argument and the legal risks posed by his pending criminal cases.
Missi said Matlala was uncomfortable proceeding without Van den Heever and warned that the defence could approach the High Court for an interdict if he was compelled to continue without proper representation.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, however, refused to grant a lengthy postponement and directed that arguments on Matlala’s self-incrimination application proceed after a shorter break to allow consultation.
Madlanga also ruled that the commission would continue hearing evidence concerning Matlala despite the withdrawal threat, saying the legal issues could largely be dealt with by counsel without extensive further consultation.
When Matlala was asked whether he understood the implications, he appeared confused and said he did not understand what was happening.
The confrontation comes as Matlala faces scrutiny over allegations linked to the Medicare24 SAPS tender, alleged payments or gratifications involving police officers and other matters before the commission.
The Medicare24 criminal case is scheduled for September, intensifying concerns over whether evidence given at the inquiry could affect his pending prosecution.
Matlala first appeared before the commission on August 17, 2026, reading a statement before repeatedly invoking his right against self-incrimination when questioned about the SAPS tender and alleged police-related dealings.
The proceedings continue.
