Madlanga Commission Postpones Vusimuzi Matlala Testimony Until September

The Madlanga Commission postponed the testimony of Vusimuzi Matlala to September 1 following a legal dispute over the risk of self-incrimination. Matlala, an alleged crime boss and tenderpreneur facing 11 counts of attempted murder, appeared at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on July 15, 2026.

Matlala's lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, requested the delay because Matlala faces a criminal trial starting July 20 in the Johannesburg High Court. Van den Heever also sought a review of materials from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption concerning a collapsed plea deal. Retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission's chairperson, challenged the blanket nature of the request, suggesting the proceedings move forward with non-incriminating matters.

Evidence leader Mahlape Sello opposed the postponement, citing the commission's tight schedule. The delay occurs as President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deadline for public hearings to October 2, with the final report expected by November 2.