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File image | Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee is likely to travel to the Kgosi Mampuru C-max Prison to hear testimony from remanded detainee, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
WATCH | Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee will work with the appropriate authorities to have the remanded detainee, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, appear before it in person. It would be a first in the history of Parliament to have an awaiting-trial prisoner appear before it. pic.twitter.com/mM00CFVJZ2
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 1, 2025
The committee was established after KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system.
Among others, Mkhwanazi alleged that the now placed on special leave Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu associated with individuals suspected to have links with drug cartels, such as Matlala.
[WATCH] EMPD Police Chief Mapiyeye has clarified that Brigadier Mkhwanazi’s suspension stems from overall misconduct, not just the blue-light issue. Reports indicate Mkhwanazi authorized blue-light privileges for businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. #MadlangaCommision pic.twitter.com/QjTQMgM8wR
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) November 7, 2025
Matlala, who is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering, is being held in the Kgosi Mampuru C-Max prison.
The committee met today to discuss a draft report that will be presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, that informs a request for a second extension.
The Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson, Molapi Lekganyane, says Cat Matlala indicated his eagerness to appear before the committee.
“The person who was very quick to respond to say ‘I want to come’ was Mr. Matlala, but he was also asking questions about where he’ll be sleeping in Cape Town. He doesn’t want to be transported by the police,” says Lekganyane.
RELATED VIDEO | Ad Hoc Committee | Parliament seeks Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s in-person appearance
Parliament has sent its security staff to explore options for the committee to move to Pretoria for the purposes of Matlala’s testimony.
“Findings on our end show that there is a facility to host up to 400 people, chairs and tables, provision for catering, a holding room and ablution facilities as required. The internet available is stable and the Correctional (Department) will increase capacity should it be required on our end,” says Parliament’s Section Manager for Information and Security Risk Management, Rudzani Mphilo.
African National Congress (ANC) MP, Khusela Diko and Leigh-Ann Mathys from the Economic Freedeom Fighters (EFF), expressed their support for the committee to host its hearings in Pretoria.
“We support (the idea of) the committee going to Pretoria for a hearing with Mr. Matlala. I think we agreed not to have a virtual and I think if going there is the best way to secure the witness, we will go there as the ANC,” says Diko.
RELATED VIDEO | Cat Matlala denied bail – SAPS insist lives of witnesses and investigators could be in danger
“We definitely support moving to Kgosi Mampuru and any other witness, so we can get two birds with one stone,” says Mathys.
The committee has a long list of witnesses it still wants to call and more than 280 public submissions to consider. It is for this reason that they will be approaching the Speaker for a second extension.
RELATED VIDEO | Ad Hoc Committee | Parliament seeks Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s in-person appearance
