Alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has refused to comment on his relationship with suspended police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, including claims that he delivered impalas to the general, saying he could incriminate himself in an ongoing investigation.
Matlala revealed these details during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, where evidence leader Mahlape Sello SC questioned him about his links to senior police officials.
Matlala acknowledged that he and Sibiya had spoken more frequently and had social interactions but declined to provide details.
“I am a suspect in a matter under investigation which relates to my interaction with him [Sibiya],” Matlala said.
He told the commission that his dealings with Sibiya were under investigation and that he could therefore not discuss them in detail.
“The engagement, as I said, is something which is under investigation, which I cannot… Yes, there are engagements, but it’s something that is under investigation”.
Matlala said he had met Sibiya three or four times over a complaint involving a long-running lease agreement with the Department of Public Works.
He also said Sibiya had questioned him about the kidnapping of businessman Jerry Boshoga, which he denied any knowledge of.
Matlala confirmed that he attended an engagement party for either Sibiya’s son or daughter.
The questioning followed allegations that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption was probing claims that Matlala supplied Sibiya with impalas in exchange for assistance relating to the Medicare24 contract.
Furthermore, Matlala refused to discuss his relationship with suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy head Julius Mkhwanazi, citing an IDAC investigation into the alleged illegal installation of blue lights.
He denied doing business with the EMPD, saying he had provided free security services to former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell.
But evidence before the commission indicates that the arrangement was fraudulent and was authorised by Mkhwanazi.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
