JOHANNESBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has rejected meeting or having any intention to meet alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. Sergeant Fannie Nkosi made the claim at the Madlanga Commission on Monday. "Deputy President Paul Mashatile has noted claims made by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission earlier today to the effect that the Deputy President met with Mr. Vusimuzi Cat Matlala or that the latter intended to meet with him," the Presidency said in a statement.
"Deputy President Mashatile categorically denies the claims."
READ: Fannie Nkosi back for more testimony at Madlanga Commission The Presidency said Mashatile does not know the individuals referenced in the testimony and has never had any association or dealings with them. It further stated that Mashatile was out of the country at the time that Matlala purportedly met with him or intended to do so. "Deputy President Mashatile categorically rejects Sergeant Nkosi's claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Madlanga Commission fully should the Commission require any clarity or assistance from him," the statement concluded. Nkosi entered his eighth day of testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Monday. He has been accused of acting as an intermediary between suspected crime figures, government officials and senior police leadership. Nkosi has faced questions over his conduct, including contact with alleged members of the so-called Big Five cartel and his handling of sensitive information linked to high-profile cases. Evidence before the commission has suggested he has maintained close ties with key figures and may have shared information that could have compromised investigations.
DEVELOPING: DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE HAS DENIED THE CLAIMS STATEMENT: "Deputy President Paul Mashatile has noted claims made by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission earlier today to the effect that the Deputy President met with Mr. Vusimuzi Cat Matlala or… https://t.co/GqwvqIdQsz — Pule Letshwiti-Jones (@pule_jones) March 23, 2026
