The Madlanga Commission has postponed the testimony of alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whom it had summoned to appear before it on Tuesday morning.
The Commission said Matlala’s legal representative will be physically present on Tuesday when the postponement will formally be effected.
“Due to the heightened media and public interest in the testimony of Mr Vusimuzi Matlala, the Commission wishes to advise that whilst Mr Matlala has been subpoenaed to appear before it on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the evidence leaders will request that his testimony be postponed to a date to be determined,” said Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.
“Mr Matlala will therefore not appear in person before the Commission on Tuesday, but his legal representative will instead be physically present,” said Michaels.
This comes on the back of a plea deal that the Medicare24 owner entered into with the National Prosecuting Authority, which entails him implicating more high-ranking police officials.
Matlala is appearing and has been charged alongside 12 senior South African SAPS officials, a procurement officer, service provider James Murray, and two corporate entities in connection with a R360-million fraudulent Medicare24 tender.
The high-ranking SAPS officials involved range from brigadier to major-general, including Rachel Matjeng, Busisiwe Precious Temba, Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema, Patrick Nethengwe, Kirsty Jonker, Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono, Onica Ofentse Tlhoale, Brian Neville, Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi, Anton Paulsen, and Natsenge Johannes Monyai, along with procurement officer Tumisho Nehemiah Maleka.
National Police Commissioner Major-General Fannie Masemola has since been added as an accused in the Medicare24 tender case over what the NPA says are allegations relating to non-adherence to the PFMA (Public Finance Management Act). Masemola’s inclusion forced President Cyril Ramaphosa to place him on suspension.