Alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to appear in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, where a possible plea agreement between him and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) could be placed on record.
Matlala’s case, linked to the controversial R228 million Medicare24/SAPS tender, was recently separated from that of his 16 co-accused.
The accused include suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and several senior SAPS officers.
The NPA previously indicated that it was engaged in negotiations with Matlala, prompting his transfer from Kokstad to facilitate discussions.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the negotiations have progressed, but a formal agreement can only be confirmed once the court has issued an order.
Kganyago says, “No, the issue was clear from the start. it was discussed in open court when we said we wanted to negotiate with him and that he should be here instead of kokstad. That is where the negotiations took place. Until the court issues an order, we cannot confirm if we have an agreement or not. Our negotiations have reached a point, but it still needs to be confirmed.”
The outcome of today’s court proceedings is expected to provide clarity on whether a plea agreement has been reached between Matlala and the State.
NPA speaks on developments regarding charges against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala
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