By: Xolani Khumalo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has strongly denied allegations that he met with, or had plans to meet, alleged businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”.
The claims were made by Fannie Nkosi, an officer attached to the organised crime unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng. Nkosi alleged that Matlala urgently required access to his credit card in order to facilitate meetings with Mashatile as well as senior police officials.
In response, Mashatile’s acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza, dismissed the claims as unfounded. Khoza said the deputy president does not know Matlala and has had no involvement in any business or personal dealings with him.
“The Deputy President has never met nor communicated with Mr Matlala,” Khoza said. “Any suggestion of a relationship or planned meeting is entirely false and without merit.”
The allegations have raised questions around possible links between business figures and senior government or law enforcement officials. However, no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the claims.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether any formal investigation will be launched into the matter.
