Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s business partner, Mike van Wyk, has cited severe anxiety as the reason for his absence from the Madlanga Commission.
The Medicare24 chief executive was expected to answer questions about how the company, which he co-owned with co-accused Matlala, secured a multimillion-rand medical tender with the police. However, he informed the inquiry through his lawyer, Sandy De Plessis, that he has been experiencing persistent panic attacks which have resulted in hospitalisation.
“The panic attacks have been ongoing, and he recently suffered another severe episode. Dr Lawrence consulted with him and prescribed medication. Yesterday, when I eventually spoke to the psychiatrist, Dr Lawrence indicated that the patient needs to be admitted to the psychiatric unit at Jacaranda Hospital,” the lawyer said.
The tender was subsequently cancelled following Matlala’s arrest, with both he and van Wyk later charged in connection with the matter, alongside 17 others, including suspended police commissioner Fannie Masemola.
The postponement application comes as the commission is working against the clock to conclude its proceedings, following delays caused by witness unavailability and litigation.
Evidence leader Mathews Chaskalson said van Wyk would not be compelled to testify if he is medically unfit, but expressed concern about the time lost, noting that the inquiry has already fallen behind schedule.
“I think, in the circumstances, it is best to wait for the medical certificate to arrive. Obviously, if Mr van Wyk is not medically fit to appear, we are not going to insist that he does so, but we have a very real problem in that we have 30 days of evidence remaining, and if we lose today, that is one out of 30 that we will have lost,” Chaskalson said.
The parties agreed to proceed with the presentation of evidence, including material relating to van Wyk, while his appearance has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.