Vusimuzi Matlala Challenges Phone Evidence Used by Ad Hoc Committee
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is challenging the authenticity of messages said to be from his devices in the police corruption probe
- His legal team is demanding details on how the evidence was obtained and has requested full witness transcripts
- Parliament maintains that Matlala consented to the data extraction and voluntarily discussed the contents during his testimony
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA —Controversial entrepreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is now challenging key evidence being used against him by Parliament’s committee investigating police corruption.
In a letter from his lawyer, Matlala is questioning whether text messages said to be from his devices are genuine. He wants the committee to explain exactly how it got this information and who provided it.
What is Matlala challenging?
According to Eyewitness News, Matlala's legal team has asked for the committee to answer how it retrieved WhatsApp messages that were used to question Matlala during his appearance before Parliament on 26 November 2025.
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His legal team has also asked for full transcripts of all witness testimony that mentions him.
During his appearance, the committee relied on information believed to have been taken from his personal devices.
But after already testifying about those messages, Matlala is now raising doubts about how that evidence was collected. His lawyer has sent a list of questions to Parliament about the extraction process.
Parliament responds
However, Parliament’s legal advisor, Andile Tetyana, says Matlala did give permission for the data to be taken. He explained that Matlala signed a consent form allowing the South African Police Service (SAPS) to extract the information in May 2025, and that he spoke about it willingly during his testimony.
Tetyana dismissed the concerns, saying Matlala’s lawyers have their facts wrong and are focusing on the wrong issue.
In a separate update, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said MPs will be given limited access to a classified report. The report examines how the police Crime Intelligence acquired certain properties and issues related to security vetting.
Matlala unsure of Ad Hoc Committee's appearance
Matlala had previously voiced his reservations on testifying before the committee, expressing concern that his testimony could be used against him during his criminal trial. He expressed that he was not comfortable with testifying and answering some of the questions Arendse asked about the SAPS tender. When asked why, he explained that he was not confident that the immunity the Ad hoc Committee afforded him would be valid. The Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, assured him that when he took the oath, it included immunity from prosecution for anything he testified to.
Matlala's lawyers request postponement
In related news, before his appearance, Matlala’s legal team tried to secure a postponement a day before his planned testimony. Cat’s legal team cited poor prison conditions, as well as concerns over his health and mental capacity. ActionSA’s Dereleen James said they would not accept Matlala’s excuse that he isn’t prepared.
Source: Getty Images
Previously, Briefly News reported that in one of his many admissions, Matlala testified that he used a South African Police Service (SAPS) member as an 'errand boy'. Matlala said he sent Sergeant Nkosi to buy a boat battery for him. Nqola then asked him if he gets police officers to run his errands. He replied that Nkosi is a human being and is no longer a policeman after hours. He eventually agreed that he sent a police officer to run his errands.
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Source: Briefly News
