Pretoria – Lawyers representing Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the attempted murder accused who has been repeatedly linked to an alleged criminal network in South Africa, have threatened to seek an urgent interdict to stop an Ad Hoc Committee from continuing with its planned hearing. The development has drawn renewed attention from observers, where the handling of high profile justice matters across the border often shapes public discussions on accountability and legal process.
The dispute surfaced today when Matlala’s legal team delivered a letter giving the committee until three o’clock this afternoon to postpone his scheduled appearance that was set for tomorrow. They said they would approach the courts if the committee refused.
According to the letter, the defence claims Matlala has not had enough time to prepare an affidavit and needs further consultation before presenting any evidence. His lawyers argue that they have struggled to communicate with him at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility’s C Max section, citing network difficulties that have disrupted their preparation.
They further claim that Matlala’s time in detention has affected his health and mental sharpness, alleging that he sometimes appears confused and unable to grasp all aspects of the case.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane stayed silent on whether the request would be considered, leaving uncertainty over whether the appearance will go ahead as planned.
Doubts deepened after Lekganyane appeared on the SABC last night, saying Matlala and his legal team had been cooperating, although he did not appear fully confident in that assessment. Political analysts in the region, including those who spoke informally to Independent News Eswatini, noted that the back and forth now looks like part of a legal strategy aimed at gaining leverage in the accused’s ongoing court battles.
Questions have also emerged about why parliament opted to summon Matlala while his criminal cases remain active. Some critics argue that running a parallel parliamentary inquiry creates room for Matlala to rely on his right to remain silent and could unintentionally strengthen his position.
Concerns were also raised about the cost of hosting these engagements at C Max, with some South Africans on social platforms saying public funds are being spent on a process that seems to be stalling.
ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James added a political sting to the unfolding drama. Responding to the postponement request, she said Matlala “now claims he cannot appear before the Ad Hoc Committee because he is not prepared”, calling the explanation unacceptable. She described the move as a classic Stalingrad tactic intended to frustrate the committee’s work and insisted that Matlala has had enough time to get ready.
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