PRETORIA - Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has denied having a close relationship with suspended deputy police commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya.
He told the Madlanga Commission that the embattled senior police officer was not his friend, but simply “someone that I knew”.
Matlala resumed his testimony on Monday after proceedings were delayed by his legal team, with evidence leader Mahlape Sello pressing him to explain the nature of his relationship with Sibiya.
Sello asked Matlala to describe, in his own words, the relationship he had with the suspended deputy commissioner.
Matlala initially appeared reluctant to answer.
“It was not a friendship relationship,” he said.
Sello pressed him further, asking what the relationship was if Sibiya was not a friend.
Matlala said he was being pushed into discussing matters he did not want to address.
“Now you're pushing me to say something,” Matlala said, adding that he did not want to “tap into the content of the investigation”.
He said he did not want to enter that territory because he feared he could incriminate himself.
When Sello asked whether Sibiya was an acquaintance, Matlala offered a more guarded description.
“He's someone that I knew,” he said.
However, Matlala confirmed that he attended an engagement party for either Sibiya’s son or daughter.
READ MORE | Matlala exercises his right to remain silent in Medicare24 tender saga
The exchange highlighted Matlala’s reluctance to provide a detailed account of his dealings with Sibiya, as the inquiry continues to probe the relationships and alleged connections surrounding the suspended senior police official.
Matlala’s testimony is expected to face further scrutiny as the inquiry seeks clarity on the extent and nature of his interactions with Sibiya.
Read more: 'Cat' Matlala denies links to top cops