‘It is not nice to be accused’: Mashatile ready to clear name over Matlala claims

Mashatile

Johannesburg – Deputy President Paul Mashatile is prepared to appear before the Madlanga Commission if called, with his office insisting he has nothing to hide and is eager to clear his name.

Mashatile’s acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza, on Wednesday dismissed allegations linking the deputy president to alleged criminal figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, describing them as baseless and misleading.

Speaking to eNCA, Khoza said Mashatile would welcome the opportunity to testify before the commission.

“Presenting himself to the commission would be in his interest to put the record straight and confront the lies,” he said.

The allegations stem from testimony by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who told the commission that Mashatile was among several prominent figures Matlala may have had contact with.

Khoza, however, accused Nkosi of making false claims under oath.

“It has been proven beyond doubt that some of the things that he has said, he was caught by the commission not to be factual,” he said.

“The reality is that people do lie under oath and this is one example that we are dealing with that I know for a fact is a lie.”

He further suggested that the allegations may form part of a broader agenda targeting the deputy president. “It is not nice to be accused of something you don’t know. When people use your name for no reason and you can tell there is ulterior motives behind what they are doing,” Khoza said.

“We do not know what his ulterior motive is, but nobody goes out of their way to concoct a story that does not exist and put it badly on the matter that is under investigation.”

In a separate statement issued earlier by the Presidency, Mashatile also rejected the claims, denying that he had ever met or intended to meet Matlala.

“Deputy President Mashatile categorically denies the claims,” the statement said.

It added that Mashatile has no association with the individuals mentioned. “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.”

The Presidency further noted that Mashatile was not in the country at the time the alleged meeting was said to have occurred. “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.”

Mashatile has reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully with the inquiry. “Deputy President Mashatile categorically rejects Sergeant Nkosi’s claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Madlanga Commission fully should the Commission require any clarity or assistance from him.”

The Madlanga Commission continues its investigations.

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