Developing story: the claims below are Vusimuzi Matlala's own and have not been tested or confirmed. This report is based on limited detail from the day's hearing and will be updated.

Businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala told the Madlanga Commission on Monday that investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) wanted him to implicate senior police officials, according to reports of his testimony. Reports name police generals Fannie Masemola, Dumisani Khumalo and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in connection with the claim. IDAC's response was not available at the time of writing, and none of the officials has been shown to have done anything wrong.

The ruling that cleared the way

Matlala's testimony followed a ruling by commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga rejecting a bid to keep material from a failed plea agreement out of the proceedings. Matlala's lawyer, advocate Annelene van den Heever, argued that IDAC officials approached Matlala and led the negotiations, and that he had been assured the agreement would not be used by anyone outside IDAC.

Justice Madlanga ruled: "The nullity of the statements that is at issue does not apply to a situation that is outside of the criminal proceedings." He ruled that the commission may keep hearing Matlala's evidence until his legal team secures an interdict. If one is granted, the commission must stop immediately and not consider the evidence until a review is finalised.

Background to the plea deal

The plea agreement related to fraud and money-laundering charges linked to Matlala's company Medicare 24 Tshwane District and a police tender. Matlala withdrew in July after rejecting a 12-year direct prison sentence that the court proposed instead of the eight years agreed with the State. The agreement was later declared null and void. The State alleges that members of a police bid evaluation committee and senior officials colluded to bypass National Treasury rules to award the contract.

What we do not yet know

  • The full detail of what Matlala said and the evidence, if any, he offered for his claims.
  • IDAC's and the named officials' responses.
  • When the urgent review of the ruling will be heard, and whether an interdict will be sought or granted.
  • The commission's next hearing dates for Matlala.