Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday, 9 November, to present testimony that directly challenges the work of Dylan Perumal, the suspended head of the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption. According to Daily Maverick, Matlala’s appearance occurred three days after Perumal was reportedly taken to a hospital in East London following an alleged suicide attempt on Friday, 6 November. The businessman revealed the contents of his Section 204 statement, a legal mechanism that allows an accused person to receive indemnity from prosecution in exchange for evidence, subject to statutory requirements.

Matlala alleged that Perumal and senior investigator Brian Padayachee coerced him into accepting a plea-and-sentence deal. He stated that he did not take an oath and that Perumal typed the document multiple times, changing it to suit the investigator’s preferences. The statement, commissioned by Idac senior investigator Suneel Bellochun on 14 June 2026, details Matlala’s knowledge of the Medicare24 SAPS contract. Matlala claimed the investigators wanted him to implicate three senior police figures: Fannie Masemola, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Dumisani Khumalo. Their suspension by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on 30 July 2026 followed earlier commission hearings.

A significant portion of the testimony focused on Matlala’s monetary dealings with Shadrack Sibiya, a former senior police officer. Matlala alleged that Sibiya threatened his wife and family to keep their interactions secret. He disputed his previous account of a R50,000 cash handover, claiming it occurred at the SAPS Excellence Awards in KwaZulu-Natal rather than at Sibiya’s Centurion residence. Furthermore, Matlala contested the nature of a R500,000 transfer, arguing he moved the funds to a friend, Given Makofane, rather than handing cash to Sibiya as his Section 204 statement suggested.

Evidence leader Adila Hassim SC challenged Matlala over these discrepancies. She noted that commission investigator Dlamini’s records indicated Matlala had previously stated he personally delivered R500,000 to Sibiya at the Copperleaf Golf Estate. Matlala’s testimony is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, 10 November.