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South Africa: Matlala Blames Medication for R500K Bribery Claims - South African News Briefs - November 10, 2026
Matlala says he was medicated and unwell when he made the statement, while his lawyers argue plea-negotiation records should stay protected.
- The Madlanga Commission rejected an application by corruption-accused Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala to exclude evidence from a failed plea deal, ruling that Criminal Procedure Act protections do not extend to commission inquiries.
- Matlala had sought to block questioning regarding self-incriminating statements made during a collapsed plea deal in a R360 million Medicare24 tender fraud case, claiming he was heavily medicated when providing details to the NPA.
- Defense attorney Van den Heever argued the ruling could discourage future cooperation, warning accused persons may "never entering" plea agreements if they fear information will be used against them by commissions rather than protected as promised.
- Following the decision, Matlala's legal team indicated they plan to take the ruling on review on an urgent basis, while he requested future testimony be heard in camera citing safety threats to himself and his family.
- Returning to the witness stand, Matlala is set to continue facing the commission's investigation into allegations that he paid former police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya R500,000 despite ongoing legal disputes.
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Madlanga rules Matlala’s failed plea-deal statement can be heard by commission - Inside Politics
Madlanga Commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga has ruled that the commission can hear evidence contained in Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala’s failed plea and sentence agreement with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), dismissing arguments by his lawyer that doing so would violate his constitutional rights and undermine the administration of justice.
Abameli bakaVusimuzi “Cat” Matlala baphikisa ukuthi iKhomishana kaMadlanga isebenzise iztatimende ayezisho ngesikhathi exoxisana nabashushisi ngesivumelwano sokuvuma icala. UMatlala wayesezivumele ngokwakhe purposea ahlobene nethenda alithola waphinde wavuma ukufakaza ngabanye abasolwa abathintekayo...
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center, 50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 50%
R 50%
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