Matlala to resume Madlanga Commission testimony amid dispute over plea-deal evidence

According to SABC, Matlala, whom it describes as an alleged cartel member, will resume his unfinished testimony. The commission directed its evidence leaders and Matlala’s legal team to file written arguments by 5 pm on Sunday on the provision that allows an accused to plead guilty in exchange for an agreed sentence.

IOL, which describes Matlala as a businessman, writes that he is scheduled to testify over two days and that the dispute concerns what he may be questioned about after the collapse of his plea agreement in a case linked to a South African Police Service healthcare tender. IOL reports the arguments are limited to 15 pages per side, and that Matlala testified in August but repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination.

SABC adds that the attempted murder trial of Matlala and four co-accused has been postponed to Thursday at the High Court in Johannesburg. The outlet says he is accused of orchestrating three failed assassination attempts between August 2022 and January 2024.