Prosecutor in R228m ‘Cat’ Matlala case resigns
PRETORIA — Advocate Santhos Manilall, a senior prosecutor handling the R228 million Medicare24 corruption case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has resigned from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
IDAC confirmed on Friday that Manilall, its Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, will leave on 31 October. Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said his cases would be reassigned to other prosecutors to maintain continuity. The announcement did not give a reason for his departure or name his replacement.
Manilall’s departure comes while the Medicare24 prosecution remains before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Matlala and 14 co-accused face charges linked to an alleged corruption scheme involving a South African Police Service healthcare contract. Proceedings against Matlala are scheduled to resume on 29 October, two days before Manilall’s final working day.
The resignation follows a period of scrutiny of IDAC’s investigations and prosecutorial decisions at the Madlanga Commission. According to Eyewitness News, National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi ordered a review of the directorate’s cases following the resignation of former IDAC head Andrea Johnson. That review has resulted in the withdrawal of some cases and charges.
Manilall was also mentioned in testimony by state advocate Drushantha Ramsamy. The Citizen reported that Ramsamy told the commission she had raised concerns with him about Crime Intelligence and Project Diversion investigations, but alleged that he did not act on her warning. Those claims remain testimony, and IDAC’s resignation announcement did not establish a connection between them and his departure.
The announcement does not terminate the prosecutions Manilall handled. IDAC said the reassignment of his cases would allow its corruption investigations and court proceedings to continue, while the NPA and the directorate wished him well in his future endeavours.
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