Cat’ Matlala's lawyers seek delay in ad hoc appearance

The committee, tasked with probing alleged corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration in the justice system, this week moved its hearings to the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. 

The venue change was to allow Matlala to testify on various allegations, including that he influenced Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killing Task Team.

Matlala is one of three major witnesses scheduled to give evidence.

The committee began with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Chief Financial Officer and Deputy National Commissioner, Puleng Dimpane.

In a letter seen by Jacaranda NewsWatch, Matlala’s legal team warns of inadequate preparation time ahead of his scheduled testimony on Wednesday.

"Our legal team have raised concerns regarding the adequate time which they needed to prepare our client for this proceedings, and that certain time frames were not achievable. 

"The shared number of documents and affidavits that was provided made it virtually impossible for Mr Matlala to be ready to adduce evidence, coupled with the dire circumstances of his detention with its own shortcomings and restrictions," read the letter. 

The lawyers added that consulting with Matlala has become an absolute nightmare in prison. 

"We at times experience difficulties with the network coverage in C Max and that the infrustracture in C Max is not conducive to have a productive consultation as there are no proper facilities

and the building itself is not user-friendly to enable us to consult with him for a long time and meet the deadline of tomorrow,.” 

"The detention of Mr Matlala in the C Max Prison has negatively affected our client's health and mental capacity. This is an issue which was also raised during his bail application. 

"During our consultation with Mr Matlala yesterday we could pick up that he no longer comprehends some of the issues and we have noticed that he seemed disorientated."

They add that his mental capacity is being negatively affected by his incarceration and detention in the C max.

"It is for these reasons that we want to seek an indulgence from the committee and the evidence leaders that we have this proceedings adjourned,” the letter said. 

"This will afford the legal team of Mr Matlala an ample opportunity to prepare and consult with their client properly and adequately so that they are able to represent and advise him to the best of their abilities concerning all the issued raised in the affidavit."

The letter added: "Our client has expressed his willingness to participate with the commission and has at all material times engaged and assisted the evidence leaders. At times also with grave difficulty as he does not have access to any documents, laptops and making telephonic contact with a person who has some of the documents needed. 

"Our client’s further participation can only be meaningful if he is afforded an opportunity to properly and adequately prepare himself with the aid of his legal representatives," 

The lawyers requested Wednesday’s proceedings be postponed.

"This will also enable us to finalise the affidavit that needs to be presented to the commission prior to him giving evidence.

"Should we not receive a response and written undertaking from your office by 15:00 today, we shall proceed with an urgent application to have the evidence of our client and tomorrow’s proceedings be postponed up until such time that we have properly consulted with our client.”

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