JOHANNESBURG - Controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has become a state witness, North West businessman Suliman Carrim was a no-show yet again, and Bafana Bafana made history.
These are some of the stories that made headlines this week.
Bafana Bafana have made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.
The team first qualified for the World Cup in France in 1998 before returning for the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
In 2002, Bafana finished with four points but narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stages. The same fate befell them in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament.
READ: Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 to reach World Cup knockout rounds
However, in Monterrey on Thursday, four points were enough to secure a place in the last 32.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has pledged a R5-million incentive for every match Bafana Bafana win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to the team after its historic victory over South Korea, McKenzie said the incentive would also apply to the team’s win against the Asian side.
Meanwhile, businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has entered into a plea agreement with the State and become a state witness.
He pleaded guilty to all seven charges in the R228-million SAPS tender corruption case linked to his company, Medicare24.
READ: Matlala case separated as NPA remains tight-lipped on possible plea deal
Matlala appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, where he formally entered his plea after spending two months negotiating a plea agreement with prosecutors.
READ: 'Cat' Matlala turns state witness in R228m SAPS tender corruption case
The State and Matlala have agreed to ask the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and allow his sentences to run concurrently.
The proposed sentence is 15 years’ direct imprisonment, with seven years suspended.
READ: Explainer | Why 'Cat' Matlala's plea deal not a free pass
The State says Matlala has provided a statement detailing the alleged involvement of several high-profile individuals in this matter and other related cases.
Elsewhere, North West businessman Suliman Carrim has once again failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission.
READ: Madlanga Commission warns of possible prosecution for Carrim
Carrim, who was due to testify before the commission on Thursday, reportedly fell ill and was admitted to hospital.
His testimony has been postponed to 15 July.
READ: Three reasons Suliman Carrim has given for missing the Madlanga Commission
If Carrim remains medically unfit following an independent assessment, the commission says it will respect that finding and instead rely on the evidence already before it.