Alleged criminal tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has confirmed a business relationship and friendship with businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela, telling the Madlanga Commission that the two have known each other since around 2016 or 2017.
Matlala testified on Monday that Maumela was once a director of his company, CAT VIP Protection, and that they had previously conducted business together.
“Hangwani Morgan Maumela is my friend and a person with whom I have previously conducted business,” Matlala told the commission.
But Matlala stopped short of discussing the relationship in greater detail, saying matters involving Maumela were currently being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Maumela has featured prominently in evidence before the commission over allegations surrounding corruption, public procurement and suspected money laundering.
He has been accused of being linked to a syndicate allegedly involved in irregular tenders at Tembisa Hospital, where billions of rands in questionable procurement were previously flagged.
The allegations stem partly from investigations linked to the late whistleblower Babita Deokaran, whose disclosures exposed extensive concerns about procurement at the hospital.
Evidence presented to the commission has also raised questions about alleged financial flows involving Matlala, Maumela and North West businessman Suleiman Carrim.
According to testimony, Matlala allegedly did not pay Maumela directly. Instead, money was allegedly channelled through Carrim, who is said to have transferred funds to Maumela on Matlala’s instructions.
One transaction highlighted before the commission involved an alleged R500,000 payment advanced to Maumela by Carrim and subsequently deposited into the account of Luthaga Trading Enterprise.
Matlala’s admission of his friendship and past business dealings with Maumela is under renewed scrutiny as the commission examines alleged networks of influence, procurement irregularities and financial transactions.
His testimony has been postponed to August 24 to 25.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
