The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has ordered its evidence leaders and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal representatives to submit written arguments on the impact of a plea and sentence agreement provision in the Criminal Procedure Act before he appears before the commission next week.
In a ruling dated November 7, the commission directed both parties to address the scope of section 105A(10) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and its implications for matters Matlala will be required to testify about.
The submissions must not exceed 15 pages each and must be filed by no later than 5pm on Sunday, November 8.
The directive relates to Matlala’s scheduled appearance before the commission on November 9 and 10.
Commission seeks clarity on collapsed plea agreement
The ruling comes against the backdrop of a legal dispute over whether Matlala’s failed plea-and-sentence agreement and related statements can be used during commission proceedings.
IOL previously reported that Matlala appeared before the commission in August, where he repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about the controversial SAPS healthcare tender and alleged dealings with senior police officials.
Matlala had initially entered into a section 105A plea-and-sentence agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority in June, admitting to fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the Medicare24 contract. In exchange, he was expected to testify against his co-accused, including senior police officers.
However, the agreement collapsed in July after the court rejected the proposed effective eight-year sentence as too lenient and indicated that a 12-year prison term would be more appropriate. Matlala subsequently withdrew from the agreement, resulting in the guilty plea falling away.
The commission has previously heard arguments over whether documents and statements made during the failed plea negotiations are protected from use in its proceedings.
The latest directive requires both sides to clarify precisely how section 105A(10) applies to Matlala’s testimony, potentially shaping the scope of questioning when he returns to the commission.
The R228m SAPS tender
Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was awarded a SAPS healthcare services contract valued at approximately R228 million in 2024, although it was initially budgeted at about R360 million.
The contract was cancelled in May 2025 after an internal audit raised concerns about irregularities. By then, the company had reportedly received approximately R50 million.
The broader criminal case includes allegations of corruption, fraud and money laundering involving Matlala and several police officials. Suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola was among those initially charged in connection with the tender, although the charges against him were subsequently withdrawn.
Matlala has also been implicated in allegations of links to organised crime and senior police officials during testimony before the Madlanga Commission. These allegations remain subject to investigation and have not all been proven in court.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. Public hearings are scheduled to resume on November 9, with the commission’s final report due to President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 25, 2027.
