Madlanga Commission: Riah Phiyega denies meeting 'Cat' Matlala, wants to clear the air

The former National Police Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, has denied claims that criminally accused tender tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala visited her on the day of his arrest in May.

"Witness C", a detective who was part of the team who arrested Matlala, made the allegations before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday.

Matlala was arrested on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to attempted hit on his former partner, Tebogo Thobajane.

On the day of his arrest in May, Matlala told investigators that he had been at the Midrand home of Phiyega.

ALSO READ: Madlanga Commission hears from Matlala about relation to Sibiya: 'He’s a criminal himself'

In a statement, Phiyega distanced herself from knowing Matlala.

She claims Matlala was never at her home on 13 May 2025, the day he was arrested, and that she has never met him.

“He said he was there at the former commissioner, Miss Riah Phiyega’s premises.”

Phiyega, who was appointed National Police Commissioner by former President Jacob Zuma in 2012, was suspended in 2015.

In 2017, she was officially removed following several allegations of misconduct, perjury and defeating the ends of justice.

Phiyega has requested a formal opportunity from the Madlanga Commission to challenge "Witness C’s" testimony.

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