Businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala appears before at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where his legal representatives argued unsuccessfully for a postponement.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s appearance before the Madlanga Commission was again dominated by a dispute over his legal representation and his right against self-incrimination.
The inquiry was forced to navigate a tense legal standoff on Monday after Matlala’s lawyers raised concerns about proceeding without his lead counsel, Advocate Annaline van den Heever, while also seeking more time to prepare arguments on his constitutional right not to give potentially self-incriminating evidence.
The commission ultimately refused a lengthy postponement and directed that the application be argued after a shorter adjournment to allow Matlala to consult with his legal team. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga indicated that the legal issues could largely be addressed by counsel without extensive further consultation.
But the dispute escalated when Advocate Fatima Missi told the commission that Matlala had instructed his entire legal team to withdraw if he was required to continue without Van den Heever.
