Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied claims of plans to meet with alleged crime kingpin Vusumuzi Cat Matlala. 

“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,” said acting spokesperson to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Keith Khoza.

This follows Monday’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who’s been accused of being an intermediary between suspected crime figures and government officials. Monday was his eighth day of testifying at the Commission 

Nkosi claimed that Matlala mentioned to him about a meeting scheduled with Mashatile.

Khoza said the deputy president has denied the claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Commission should they require clarity from him.

“Of significance is that the Deputy President does not know the individuals referenced in the testimony and has never had any association or dealings with them. Of greater significance is that the Deputy President was out of the country at the time that Mr. Matlala purportedly met with him or intended to do so,” said the Khoza in a statement from the Presidency.