Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied ever meeting the alleged cartel leader, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Image: Jairus Mmutle / GCIS
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has rejected claims made at the Madlanga Commission, dismissing allegations that he met or planned to meet with alleged cartel leader, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, as categorically ‘untrue.’
The claims, raised by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi during testimony on Monday, suggested a link between Mashatile and Matlala.
According to Nkosi, Matlala urgently requested his bank card just before an alleged scheduled meeting with Mashatile and suspended police deputy commissioner Lt-Gen. Shadrack Sibiya.
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi told the commission he could not confirm whether the card was meant for Mashatile or for another purpose.
But in a sharp response, Mashatile said he does not know either Matlala or any of the individuals mentioned in the testimony.
More critically, Mashatile’s office underscored a key contradiction: he was out of the country at the time the alleged meeting was said to have taken place.
“Of significance is that the Deputy President does not know the individuals referenced in the testimony and has never had any association or dealings with them.
“Of greater significance is that the Deputy President was out of the country at the time that Mr. Matlala purportedly met with him or intended to do so,” the statement read.
This, he argued, rendered the claims not only misleading but factually impossible.
“The Deputy President has never had any association or dealings with the individuals referenced,” his office said, firmly rejecting the testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission.
Despite the strong denial, Mashatile struck a cooperative tone, pledging full transparency.
He confirmed his readiness to assist the commission should further clarification be required.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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