Crime expert Chad Thomas weighs in on Matlala’s testimony

Thomas says Matlala is in a position where the only thing he can do is fight for his life by throwing others under the bus.

Forensic private investigator, Chad Thomas, believes that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s only move could be to expose leaders of the criminal syndicates in a bid to save himself.

Matlala is expected to appear before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday, November 25, at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria for allegations of police infiltration and corruption within the justice system.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MATLALA’S TESTIMONY

Matlala is expected to testify about a R360 million tender that was awarded to his company, Medicare 24, before it was cancelled in December last year.

Thomas explained during an interview with SABC News yesterday that he expects Matlala’s testimony to be explosive but, more importantly, confirmatory.

“Matlala is in a position where the only thing he can do is fight for his life by throwing others under the bus,” he said.

He said Matlala has portrayed himself as being one of the top influential people in the underworld. However, the fact remains that there’s a lot bigger fish that sits above him.

“My impression after being in court during the time that Vusi Cat Matlala was applying for bail in respect of the matters that were brought before the Alex Court, which will be transferred to the High Court, is that he’s in such a position that the state is able to perhaps offer him a deal in terms of a plea bargain.” Matlala said.

BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS

Matlala is also expected to address allegations that he paid bribes ranging from R2 million to R5 million to the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele.

The allegations were made by Business executive Brown Mogotsi, during the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry this month.

Mogotsi is also linked to the allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.

The business executive claimed he had been a registered informant of the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 1999.

The Madlanga Commission evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, dismissed Mogotsi’s allegations that Matlala paid bribes to Mkhwanazi, calling it a deliberate misdirection.

“We have also seen Matlala communicating directly with SAPS generals and brigadiers in improper circumstances. If Matlala was paying massive bribes to Masemola or Mkhwanazi, I would expect to see some sign of that relationship with them in the chats,” he said.