A businessman, Mr. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who was arrested along with the suspended Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, MAY plead guilty.
The State stated that there are ongoing negotiations that could lead to Matlala admitting to a case affecting the tender of millions of rands awarded to his company.
Matlala, Masemola and 12 other police officers involved in the R360 million tender, appeared briefly at the Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria, yesterday.
Their case was postponed to June 26, to complete the investigation.
Matlala’s lawyers asked the court to issue an order that Matlala continue to be detained in Pretoria prison, Kgosi Mampuru II, instead of being sent back to KwaZulu-Natal prison, Bongweni.
Matlala’s lawyers said that his detention in Kgosi Mampuru II will make it easier for them to prepare for the case because the prison is close to where the case is being heard.
The prosecutor, Advocate Santhos Manilall, said they did not oppose the request of Matlala’s lawyers.
Manilall said keeping Matlala in Kgosi Mampuru II would make it easier to continue negotiations.
“The negotiations have reached another stage, we may start negotiations for Matlala to plead guilty. It would be very good if he continues to play in Kgosi Mampuru.”
The spokesperson for the prosecution organization, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mr. Kaizer Kganyago, said that there is new evidence that they have received on this matter.
“We want to verify this new evidence that we have received. We want to take a good look at the financial performance statements.”
Matlala is also facing a series of charges including attempted murder.
Matlala’s name appears in the allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
It was busy in the courts yesterday, cases involving people whose names appeared before the Commission led by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
A famous taxi driver, Mr Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, appeared briefly at the Magistrate’s Court in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, yesterday.
Sibanyoni was arrested for extorting money from a businessman.
Speaking to the media, Sibanyoni said he is innocent.
“I am a servant of God.”
Sibanyoni said he will preach the gospel in prison as he is incarcerated.
He was arrested together with Mr. Mvimbi Masilela and Mr. Philemon Msiza.
Their case was postponed to Friday.
The Kurhuleni Municipal Manager, Mr. Kagiso Lerutla, and the council’s appointed police officer, Mr. Julius Mkhwanazi, appeared briefly at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
Lerutla and Mkhwanazi are facing charges of corruption, fraud and obstruction of justice. Their case was postponed to June 9.
The leader of the National Colored Congress, Mr. Fadiel Adams, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court in Pinetown.
Adams is charged with obstruction of justice.
Yesterday he continued to apply for bail, the case was adjourned to Friday.