Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala began his long awaited appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday, but his testimony was overshadowed by concerns that answering certain questions could expose him to criminal liability.
Matlala was called to give evidence before the committee tasked with probing allegations of corruption and interference within the police service. His appearance followed earlier attempts to halt the proceedings to allow further consultation with his legal team.
Much of the day centred on tenders Matlala received from the police, particularly a lucrative contract to provide medical services.
Evidence leader Norman Arendse pressed him on how he secured the multi million rand agreement, but Matlala repeatedly indicated he was not willing to go into detail. He argued that doing so could compromise ongoing investigations and potentially implicate him in wrongdoing.
Arendse reassured him that parliamentary privilege protects witnesses from external legal consequences arising from their testimony, although he stressed that such protection would not apply in instances of dishonesty or fraud.
Matlala’s testimony is expected to continue as the committee works to establish the extent of irregularities within police procurement processes.
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