South African official Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala has refused to answer questions about payments made to Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, a police officer who was recently fired after testifying before the Madlanga Commission. The commission is investigating corruption within the country's security forces. Matlala claimed that answering questions about the payments could incriminate him.
Matlala appeared before the commission, which is chaired by Judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, and was questioned by Advocate Sesi Baloyi. Matlala repeatedly declined to answer questions about the payments, citing the risk of self-incrimination. He also refused to discuss his relationship with Matjeng, who claimed that she and Matlala were romantically involved.
According to Matjeng, the payments made by Matlala were gifts from her boyfriend, not bribes to secure information about government tenders. However, Matlala's testimony suggested that he had made payments to Matjeng in exchange for information. The commission heard that Matlala had benefited from several large tenders, including a R360 million contract with the South African Police Service.
Matlala acknowledged making a payment of R300,000 to Matjeng, but claimed that it was not related to any corrupt activities. He also testified that he had given 20 impalas to Shadrack Sibiya, but claimed that he had not intended to bribe him. The commission was told that Matjeng was fired from the police after she testified about the payments.
Advocate Baloyi expressed frustration with Matlala's refusal to answer questions, saying that his responses had become increasingly evasive. Baloyi noted that Matlala's testimony was not providing any useful information to the commission. The commission is expected to conclude Matlala's testimony by the end of the week.
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate corruption and maladministration within South Africa's security forces. The commission has heard testimony from several high-ranking officials, including Matlala and Matjeng. The investigation is ongoing, and it is not clear what consequences Matlala or other officials may face.
The case has raised concerns about corruption and cronyism within South Africa's security forces. The commission's findings are expected to be made public in the coming weeks. Judge Madlanga has stated that the commission will conclude its hearings as soon as possible.
Key points
- Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala refuses to answer questions about payments to Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
- Matlala cites potential self-incrimination in declining to discuss payments
- The Madlanga Commission is investigating corruption within South Africa's security forces
