Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala says he now hates fellow criminally accused Brown Mogotsi, whom he accuses of causing significant problems in his life.
Matlala made the admission while testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, after acknowledging that he had been swindled by Mogotsi, who has been described as an alleged fixer and imposter.
When Evidence Leader Mahlape Sello asked whether he remained in contact with Mogotsi, Matlala was unequivocal.
“I don’t have a relationship, actually I hate him,” Matlala said.
“He caused me a lot of problems in my life,” he added.
‘I realised these guys are fighting the PKTT’
Matlala told the commission that he had initially believed Mogotsi would help him open a case against members of the police. However, he said he later realised that Mogotsi was allegedly attempting to use him to target the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Matlala said he eventually became suspicious when he realised that Mogotsi appeared more interested in pursuing the case than he was.
“I didn’t do it. I sent him a message. It looked like this person who was helping me, now I’m helping him. He wants this case more than me, so I realised these guys are fighting the PKTT and I’m just a tool,” Matlala told the commission.
Matlala’s evidence, delivered in fragments and at times reluctantly, has echoed some aspects of testimony previously presented to the commission, including evidence from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Matlala denies knowing Mchunu
Matlala also reiterated that he did not know or had never met Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
He told the commission that his knowledge of Mchunu came from conversations with former Police Minister Bheki Cele and Mogotsi.
His evidence comes amid the commission’s investigation into alleged political influence, police corruption and links between law-enforcement officials and criminal networks.
Mogotsi remains in custody following his arrest on charges including defeating the ends of justice. He is accused of staging an assassination attempt against himself by allegedly shooting at his own vehicle.
Matlala confirms links to persons of interest
Matlala also confirmed that he knew several individuals whom the commission has identified as persons of interest, including Steve Motsomi, Katiso Molefe, Mthakathi Mswazi, Suleiman Carim and Hangwani Maumela.
The commission has, however, continued to struggle to obtain clear and comprehensive answers from Matlala. While he has not been openly hostile, he has repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination, including during questioning where the commission believed the privilege did not necessarily apply.
Matlala’s testimony has now been postponed until 24 August, when he is expected to return to the witness stand.