Businessman and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal team has argued that it would be unfair for proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria to continue while his lead counsel is absent.
Advocate Fatima Missi appeared on behalf of Advocate Annelene van der Heever, who is reportedly unwell.
Missi asked the commission to postpone Matlala’s testimony until Tuesday, saying the legal team needed sufficient time to consult with their client and prepare for the proceedings.
She told the commission that Matlala believed it was unfair to expect him to continue giving evidence without his lead counsel present.
Missi said Van der Heever’s absence was not voluntary and that Matlala felt he was being placed in a difficult position by having to proceed without his primary legal representative.
The request comes as Matlala continues to face scrutiny at the inquiry, which is investigating allegations surrounding criminality, corruption and interference within South Africa’s law enforcement system.
The commission is expected to consider the request before deciding how to proceed with Matlala’s testimony.