Ad Hoc Committee considers prison visit for key witness 'Cat' Matlala

The parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption is considering travelling to the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria to accommodate a key witness, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who is currently incarcerated there.

Matlala is behind bars at the high-security prison facing an attempted murder charge, but he remains listed as a crucial witness implicated in allegations of police corruption and interference.

READ: Parly committee probing police corruption meeting to discuss its progress thus far

The Ad Hoc Committee discussed the logistical arrangement during its meeting on Monday as it reviewed its interim report and proposed programme.

Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala is one of three private citizens the committee intends to hold hearings with as it gathers further evidence. Matlala has stated his intention to clear his name before both the committee and the Madlanga Commission.

His incarceration, however, has presented a challenge for the committee, which earlier ruled out virtual hearings for any witness.

Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane presented the options to the members:

"On the basis of the report that the security would have presented, would the committee want to go to Pretoria, or the committee will opt for a virtual hearing."

Committee member Khusela Diko accepted the proposal to hold the hearing at the prison facility.

"We support the committee going to Pretoria if needs be for the hearing with Mr Matlala."

Parliament’s security team, which visited the Kgosi Mampuru prison, reported that the facility meets the necessary requirements and can host up to 400 people.

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