'I Actually Hate Him' Says Cat Matlala About Brown Mogotsi

• Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala testified at the Madlanga Commission, invoking his right against self-incrimination regarding matters tied to his criminal trial.
• Matlala accused political fixer Brown Mogotsi of requesting money after claiming to represent then-police minister Senzo Mchunu's office.
• He alleged that former police minister Bheki Cele instructed him to continue paying Mogotsi to investigate corrupt links to Mchunu, in exchange for help recovering firearms.
• Matlala expressed strong hatred for Mogotsi, blaming him for personal problems.
• Matlala also revealed a verbal agreement for R15 million in funding from businessman Suliman Carrim, with whom he grew close through visits to alleged crime boss Jonathan Msibi.

The strategic invocation of the right against self-incrimination ZA by Matlala, particularly given his parallel criminal charges, underscores a significant legal consideration for lawyers monitoring such commissions.

Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala finally appeared before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, concluding months of prior delays. His testimony, however, was immediately circumscribed, with his legal representative, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, informing the commissioners that Matlala's responses would be restricted. The proceedings themselves faced an initial interruption due to a fire alarm at the venue, further delaying the start of the highly anticipated session.

During his appearance, Matlala strategically invoked his right against self-incrimination, declining to answer questions concerning his associations with suspended general Shadrack Sibiya, Sergeant Fanie Nkosi, and businessman Suliman Carrim. These specific relationships are directly linked to his ongoing criminal trial, making the invocation of the right against self-incrimination a critical legal maneuver in the context of the Madlanga Commission South Africa.

While limiting his testimony on certain fronts, Matlala spoke extensively about political fixer Brown Mogotsi, expressing profound animosity. He recounted that Mogotsi first contacted him mere days after a police raid on his residence, purporting to represent then-police minister Senzo Mchunu's office. Mogotsi allegedly offered assistance in initiating a case against the officers involved in the raid, subsequently requesting funds. Matlala confirmed providing Mogotsi R20,000, which was purportedly for booking accommodation for investigators.

Matlala's account further implicated former police minister Bheki Cele, stating that he later met Cele, who instructed him to continue making payments to Mogotsi. The purpose, according to Matlala, was to uncover potential corrupt connections leading back to Mchunu. Matlala testified to paying Mogotsi an additional R150,000, earmarked for the ANC's January 8 anniversary celebrations. In return, Matlala claimed, Cele facilitated the recovery of firearms that had been confiscated from him. When directly questioned about his current sentiments towards Mogotsi, Matlala unequivocally stated, "I actually hate him. He caused a lot of problems for me," adding that their relationship ceased following his arrest. He maintained that he never personally interacted with Mchunu, asserting, "I have never met Minister Mchunu and have had no interactions with him, nor have I been at any gatherings where he was present."

Matlala also provided some details regarding his association with Suliman Carrim. He explained that their bond developed through shared visits to the late taxi boss Jonathan Msibi, who police alleged was the head of a criminal syndicate known as the "Big Five." Matlala disclosed that around mid-2024, he approached Carrim seeking R15 million in funding, an agreement that was made verbally without any formal written contract.

This Cat Matlala Madlanga Commission testimony offers a glimpse into complex networks of alleged corruption and political maneuvering. The strategic invocation of the right against self-incrimination ZA by Matlala, particularly given his parallel criminal charges, underscores a significant legal consideration for lawyers monitoring such commissions. The ongoing Bheki Cele corruption allegations and the broader context of high-level malfeasance highlighted by Matlala's statements suggest continued scrutiny will be necessary. Matlala's testimony is scheduled to resume on August 24 and 25, promising further developments in this intricate inquiry.

Lawyers should note the strategic invocation of the right against self-incrimination in commissions of inquiry, particularly when a witness faces parallel criminal charges, as demonstrated by Matlala's testimony. This case also highlights ongoing high-level corruption allegations in South Africa, which may necessitate monitoring for potential regulatory or enforcement actions.

Source: Original reporting via Scrolla