Mchunu vehemently denies knowing murder-accused Matlala

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has vehemently denied knowing murder-accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala during testimony in Parliament.

Testifying for a third day before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Tuesday, Mchunu has also denied claims that he has benefited in any way, financially or otherwise, from Matlala.

Moving to clarify how he knows another controversial businessman, Brown Magotsi, Mchunu said they were party comrades only.

Minister Mchunu said he’s never laid eyes on Matlala and only got to know of his name last December, during discussions with Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola about a tender for clinics at police training colleges.

"I have never met Matlala. I’ve never seen him with my naked eye. I’ve never had a talk directly or indirectly with him."

On a question from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, Mchunu confirmed he had wanted Matlala to depose an affidavitwhile he was in prison to confirm there’s no relationship between them.

Asked by evidence leader, Norman Arendse, why he would go to such lengths, Mchunu said that the media were reporting falsehoods and the public were under the wrong impression about him.

"What is it that I’ve ever received from Matlala? Or what word has ever gone between me and Matlala? But they say he funds my lifestyle."

Mchunu said that he would want this committee or the Madlanga Commission to call Matlala to testify before them to confirm they’ve never had any dealings.

On Monday, the high court heard a bail appeal from Matlala, who is disputing a magistrate’s court ruling that he’s a flight risk.