Parliament Moves Justice System Inquiry to Prison for Key Witness Safety

Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre becomes the new venue for high-risk justice inquiry

image: Internet

by Kelebogile Matlou

The proceedings of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Criminal Networks in South Africa’s Justice System have been shifted to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Tshwane. The hearings will take place from November 25 to 29, 2025. 

The action is intended to safeguard crucial witness Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is now in prison, as well as to secure the safety of all those involved as the investigation nears its conclusion. The committee is also asking for an extension from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza before continuing its work. 

The committee expects that by holding the hearings inside a guarded jail, it might discover more about problematic tenders, the suspension of critical police task forces, and other concerns that may be undermining the country’s justice.

Kgosi Mampuru II was selected because of its strong safety features. This avoids the dangers of transferring Matlala, who has been detained since June 2025 on attempted murder allegations. Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane stated that the site assures safety and permits the hearings, which begin at 11 a.m. daily, to proceed smoothly with media access. 

Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the South African Police Service’s Chief Financial Officer, will be the first to testify. She is in charge of the police budget and tenders, and her testimony is anticipated to address allegations about financial mismanagement, which includes more than R5 billion in irregular expenditure detected in 2024.

Matlala will appear from Wednesday to Friday. He is believed to have information of the shutdown of the Political Killings Task Team as well as an R360 million health tender issued to his company. His testimony is likely to provide light on potential meddling with sensitive investigations and decisions within law enforcement.