Alleged tender kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala told the Madlanga Commission on Monday that he borrowed R15 million from North West businessman Suleman Carrim to service his Medicare 24 contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The commission has postponed Matlala’s further testimony to next Monday pending the submission of an affidavit to clarify matters around the contract.
Limited answers as trial looms
Matlala declined to answer most questions at the commission, saying he was concerned that his responses might implicate him in advance of his tender‑fraud trial scheduled for next month. According to the record of proceedings, he said the loan arrangement with Carrim was verbal and that Carrim was to receive a 10% share of the SAPS payout.
“I did not have to persuade him. I showed him my contract and discussed how much it’s worth and what he can make,”
The commission transcript shows Matlala described the arrangement as a loan for working capital to fulfil the Medicare 24 contract rather than an equity sale or subcontracting arrangement. He also said he had not yet fully repaid the loan and would not disclose further payment details on the record because those matters may be canvassed during his criminal trial.
Discrepancy over loan amount
The statement to the commission contrasts with Carrim’s testimony in March, when Carrim placed the amount at R10 million. Court papers and previous testimony submitted to the commission show the differences in the two accounts but do not, in themselves, determine which is accurate; the commission is seeking documentary evidence to reconcile the discrepancy.
Matlala said he had first met Carrim about six years ago on a farm belonging to the late taxi boss and alleged cartel leader Jotham Msibi. The witness list filed with the commission notes that hearings will continue with a new witness on Tuesday.
What was presented to the commission
The available record from Monday’s session contains the following core assertions and counterclaims:
- Matlala: Borrowed R15 million from Suleman Carrim under a verbal loan agreement, Carrim to receive a 10% share of the SAPS payout, loan not fully repaid.
- Carrim (March testimony): Placed the loan at R10 million and described seeking an additional top‑up of R10 million at that time.
- Commission: Postponed Matlala’s further testimony pending an affidavit addressing contract issues; hearings will resume with another witness.
| Claimant | Amount stated | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala | R15 million | Verbal loan agreement; 10% share of payout; not fully repaid, declined further detail citing pending trial. |
| Suleman Carrim | R10 million | Earlier testimony placed the loan at R10 million; reportedly sought additional funds in March. |
Legal and procedural context
Matlala faces a tender‑fraud trial next month. His reluctance to answer questions at the commission was premised on avoiding self‑incrimination in those criminal proceedings. The Madlanga Commission, which is continuing its evidentiary hearings, is tasked with establishing facts and making findings; it does not determine criminal guilt.
The differing accounts about the size and terms of the alleged loan highlight evidentiary issues the commission and prosecuting authorities will need to resolve: whether documentary records exist to substantiate either figure, the nature of any payments made, and whether the contract with Medicare 24 involved irregular procurement processes.
The commission’s adjournment to await an affidavit suggests investigators are seeking documentary clarification before permitting further testimony on the contract. Hearings will resume with a new witness on Tuesday, according to the schedule disclosed at Monday’s sitting.
As proceedings continue, the commission will be expected to weigh testimonial discrepancies, assess corroborating documents if produced, and consider whether matters should be referred for criminal investigation or other remedial action.
