Medicare24 CEO, Mike van Wyk, was not available for testimony before the Madlanga Commission today after suffering severe panic attacks.
This was confirmed by his legal counsel, Sandy du Plessis, who told the commission that Van Wyk had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Proceedings nevertheless continued, with evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson placing the contents of his evidence and statement bundles on record.
Van Wyk has been linked to attempted murder accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
His attorney, Sandy du Plessis, elaborates.
“So, Dr Lawrence consulted with him and subsequently there too as well, placed him on medication which he had to change, and he did change in terms of his letter. Yesterday, when I finally spoke to the psychiatrist, Dr Lawrence said to me the patient needs to be admitted to the psychiatric unit at Jacaranda Hospital, which has a separate psychiatric unit.”
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that van Wyk’s testimony would be postponed indefinitely.
This came after evidence leader Chaskalson raised concerns over time constraints should van Wyk remain unable to testify.
However, Justice Madlanga further ruled that Advocate Chaskalson must place the contents of the evidence and statement bundles on record, adding that van Wyk has until 6 July 2026 to file a supplementary affidavit clarifying any issues.
Drug-related activities
Evidence presented by Chaskalson alleged that Van Wyk and Matlala may have been involved in drug-related activities.
Chaskalson presented WhatsApp messages exchanged between Matlala and van Wyk, including images showing cocaine bricks branded with the word “prestige”.
Chaskalson told commissioner Sandile Khumalo that while the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed receiving cocaine bricks branded with the word “prestige” in July 2021, investigators have not been able to link them to the Aeroton drug bust that took place in the south of Johannesburg in the same year.
“We have no way of linking the Aeroton cocaine to this cocaine. That I get. We’re not suggesting that what is being weighed out on that scale came from Aeroton. But what they were able to establish was that FSL has in its possession bricks of cocaine that have the similar logo as the one that was being weighed in this video that we are discussing.”
Matlala, van Wyk and Mkhwanazi links
The relationship between Matlala, Van Wyk and suspended Ekurhuleni deputy police chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, also took centre stage during today’s proceedings.
Mkhwanazi’s bank records, shown before the commission, suggested that he may have received alleged gratification in exchange for favours rendered to Matlala and Van Wyk.
The alleged gratification relates to Mkhwanazi assisting Van Wyk and Matlala in obtaining appointment cards, fitting blue lights and co-operating on the proposed specialised unit.
Advocate Chaskalson elaborates, “The statements we’re looking at here are a current account of commissioner Mkwanzi. At 08:03 on the 5th of May 2022, there is a payment of R20 000, which comes with a reference Matlala. That amount was paid from the accounts of Cat VIP, Cat Protection and Security, and we see that at page 821. And you’ll see that on 05 May, there is a R20 000 payment with the same reference Matlala. Then on the 10th of December 2022, we see on page 805 that there is another R30 000 payment into the account of Commissioner Mkwanzi with the reference Matlala.”
The Madlanga Commission continues on Tuesday.
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