Matlala seeks to delay Parly ad hoc committee appearance, cites unpreparedness and health issues

Attempted murder-accused, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, is seeking to postpone his scheduled appearance this week before a Parliament ad hoc committee.

Matlala's legal team has stated their client is not prepared for the appearance and has requested additional time before he gives evidence to the ad hoc committee, which is investigating allegations of police corruption and interference.

Matlala is currently incarcerated at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria, where he was set to appear before the committee this week.

READ: Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala wants his appearance before Parly ad hoc committee postponed

Matlala's lawyers maintain their client is not ready to give evidence and needs more time for consultations.

They have also issued an ultimatum to the committee, stating that if they do not receive a "response and written undertaking" from the office of committee chairperson, SovietLekganyane, by 3pm on tuesday, they would proceed with an urgent court application.

Matlala's lawyers state that his detention in the C-Max prison had negatively affected his "health and mental capacity," an issue that was also raised during his bail application.

While the committee has not yet formally discussed the correspondence, EWN understands that the matter was deliberated during a recent lunch break.

Committee member and ActionSA MP, Dereleen James, has taken to social media, accusing Matlala of using "Stalingrad tactics" to delay the committee's work. James asserted that members of Parliament (MPs) would not permit any attempt to delay the hearing.