Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala refused to answer questions about his relationships with senior South African Police Service officials, citing his right against self-incrimination in pending investigations.
Evidence leader Mahlape Sello asked Matlala to explain his relationship with several senior police officials.
He remained mum about his relationship with deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and allegations that he gave impalas to the police boss as a gift.
“I am a suspect in a matter under investigation which relates to my interaction with [Sibiya], as was made clear to me during my questioning by Idac [Independent Directorate Against Corruption],” Matlala said.
He said he had become aware that Idac was investigating allegations that he had given Sibiya impalas in exchange for assistance with the Medicare24 contract.
Matlala told the commission that he had met Sibiya three or four times in connection with his complaint about a protracted lease agreement with the department of public works. He said Sibiya had questioned him about the kidnapping of businessman Jerry Boshoga, which he said he did not know anything about.
When asked to explain his relationship with suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy head Julius Mkhwanazi, Matlala said he could not respond because he was a suspect in an Idac investigation into the illegal fitting of blue lights.
He said he had not done any business with the EMPD and had provided only free security services to former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell.
“I have responded to this question in my previous affidavit. I have been advised to also place on record that I am a suspect in cases involving the EMPD and I therefore do not wish to answer any questions regarding my interaction with the EMPD,” Matlala said.
When asked about his relationship with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, Matlala said he had previously responded that he had neither met nor spoken to Mchunu.
Matlala said he could not answer questions about his relationship with former police minister Bheki Cele because he was a suspect in a matter that was under an Idac investigation.
He provided further information about his relationship with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
During his initial appearance, Matlala said he had met Mkhwanazi and they had discussed pending cases against him and exchanged information.
“I have also noted that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has stated under oath that he recorded the conversation we had on the day I met him. I now invite him to disclose this recording to the commission so everyone can hear first-hand what happened on the day,” Matlala said.
He said he did not understand why such a crucial piece of evidence had not been subpoenaed or voluntarily handed over to the commission.
Matlala said he did not know Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan, who is reportedly in hospital after surviving an assassination attempt.
Matlala also told the commission that he could not find the required documents relating to the R15 million loan given to him by North West businessman Suliman Carrim to fund the initial operations for the Medicare24 contract.
“Notwithstanding a thorough search of the records in my possession, I was unable to obtain any documents relevant to the questions [of the commission],” Matlala said.
Sello asked Matlala whether he had been induced or threatened to give false evidence before parliament’s police ad hoc committee and who might have threatened him.
Matlala asserted privilege and refused to respond.
He said that when he had appeared before the ad hoc committee, he had not yet been arrested or charged as an accused in the Medicare24 matter. He said he had also been unaware that he was a suspect.
“I therefore state categorically that I am prepared to answer any question I have previously answered on which I have now been charged or in which I am a suspect. Answering such questions now will violate my rights to a fair trial, my right to silence and my right not to incriminate myself,” Matlala said.
He said he had been made aware that he was accused of making previous inconsistent statements and could be charged with perjury if he responded to questions relating to his testimony before the ad hoc committee.
Matlala further refused to respond to questions about his relationship with Hangwani Morgan Maumela, businessman and central figure in the Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal, saying his legal team was collating evidence that would enable him to provide a full response.
He said he knew taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi only as a person for whom he had provided security services.
“I never had business with him,” Matlala said.
He said he did not know alleged cartel figures such as Ignatius Mothakathi, Andrew “Boy” Mthethwa and Katiso Molefe through occasional introductions by Msibi.
“I never had any business dealings with them, I never sat around talking to them, I do not know anything about their personal life or business they are involved in,” Matlala said.