Moses Kau

By Thabo Mosia – Political analyst Moses Kau has thrown his support behind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the controversial businessman currently in custody, in his bid to access personal devices for preparing testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee. Kau, who rarely aligns with Matlala, argues that even prisoners have rights and that denying him his iPad, laptop, mobile phone, and data would be unfair—especially if discrepancies in his statements lead to perjury charges. This stance comes amid ongoing probes into police corruption and criminal networks, where Matlala’s input is seen as crucial. Kau’s comments highlight tensions over fairness in high-profile inquiries, drawing parallels to recent cases and raising questions about procedural equity in South Africa’s justice system.

Kau’s Surprising Endorsement of Matlala’s Request

In a candid statement, Moses Kau expressed agreement with Matlala’s plea for his gadgets to aid in testimony preparation. “One of the few times, or perhaps the only time I agree with Mr Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. I must say upfront, I do not know the man from a ‘bar of soap’ but wish to say that even prisoners have rights too,” Kau said. He described Matlala’s additional ask for gigabytes as “cheeky” but backed the core request, warning against inconsistencies being used against him later.
Kau linked this to recent events in the Ad Hoc Committee hearings, where former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Chief of Staff, Brown Mogotsi (initially referred to as Cedric Nkabinde in some reports), faced scrutiny for affidavit discrepancies. On 14 November 2025, Kau had criticised holding Mogotsi liable for perjury over dates and recollections, noting he was advised to use approximations. “As you have charged Mr Nkabinde for perjury, it is only fair that you give Mr ‘Cat’ Matlala his gadgets, so that you don’t hold it against him and charge him for not remembering dates of events in his (shenanigans) when he did not have his gadgets to prepare for his appearance,” Kau argued.
He invoked the phrase “the chickens have arrived home (to roost)” to underscore what he sees as hypocrisy, adding, “The loose definition of perjury is ‘intentional and unlawful act of making a false statement under oath’. This includes both verbal and written statements. ‘What goes around, comes around’. Give the man his gadgets and his Gigatytes.”
Kau’s position emphasises prisoner rights under South African law, where access to preparation materials is key for fair proceedings. This echoes broader debates on how inquiries handle witnesses in custody, ensuring they can defend themselves without undue hindrance.

Matlala’s Role in Ongoing Parliamentary and Judicial Probes

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a North West businessman, is central to multiple investigations into alleged corruption, criminal syndicates, and interference in police operations. Arrested in July 2025 on charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, and money laundering, he remains in Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre’s C-Max section. His links to high-profile cases, such as the 2023 murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, have made his testimony highly anticipated.
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Portfolio Committee on Police, probing claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, plans to hear from Matlala. Mkhwanazi accused figures like Matlala of ties to drug syndicates and influencing police decisions, including the disbanding of task teams. Matlala’s request for devices stems from security concerns preventing a prison visit, with alternatives like virtual testimony or flying him to Cape Town proposed by analysts like Kau.
In parallel, the Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is examining similar issues of criminal infiltration in the justice system. Matlala’s evidence could shed light on payments, leaks, and networks involving politicians and officials. His court appearances, under heavy guard, show the risks involved, yet Kau insists on equitable treatment to avoid perjury pitfalls seen in Mogotsi’s case.

Parallels to Recent Perjury Controversies

Kau drew direct comparisons to Mogotsi’s hearing, where the EFF laid perjury charges after spotting inconsistencies in his affidavit. Mogotsi, Mchunu’s aide, testified about recordings and interactions but admitted memory lapses on dates. The committee and Evidence Leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC grilled him, leading to calls for further scrutiny.
Kau viewed the EFF’s action as “only good for the optics,” arguing it sets a precedent that must apply fairly. If approximations are penalised without access to records, witnesses like Matlala deserve tools for accuracy. This raises questions about procedural fairness in inquiries, where affidavits and testimonies carry legal weight.
Legal experts note perjury requires intent to deceive, not mere errors. South African law, under the Criminal Procedure Act, protects rights to preparation, even for detainees. Denying devices could invite challenges on constitutional grounds, potentially delaying probes.

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Moses Kau

Moses Kau Backs Cat Matlala in Testimony Preparation Clash: ‘Give the Man His Devices’

Moses Kau

Kau’s Surprising Endorsement of Matlala’s Request

Matlala’s Role in Ongoing Parliamentary and Judicial Probes

Parallels to Recent Perjury Controversies

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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