The Madlanga Commission has ruled that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony will proceed despite objections from his legal team following the sudden illness of his lead counsel, Annalise van der Heever.
Matlala’s junior counsel, Fatima Missi, asked for a one-day postponement, arguing that her client was not comfortable being cross-examined without his senior counsel and that the legal team needed more time to prepare its replying affidavit and heads of argument.
Missi warned that Matlala could approach the courts for an urgent interdict if the commission refused to postpone the proceedings.
However, evidence leader Adila Hassim opposed the request, arguing that the legal team had been aware that Van der Heever would be unavailable and should have raised the issue earlier.
The commission also rejected claims that Matlala’s lawyers had been prevented from adequately consulting him while he was in detention.
Despite the objections, chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that the hearing would continue.
The decision sets the stage for Matlala to face cross-examination, while his legal team considers whether to seek court intervention.