Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has alleged that his former lawyer, Forbay, pressured him to withhold the full truth about his relationship with suspended police deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya while giving evidence before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
In an affidavit, Matlala claims that Forbay told him Sibiya had threatened to kill members of his family if he disclosed the full details of their relationship.
Matlala further alleges that Forbay communicated with Sibiya during breaks in the committee proceedings and received instructions on how Matlala should respond to questions.
“During adjournments at the Ad-Hoc Committee, Mr Forbay (Forbay) would call Sibiya in front of me and Sibiya would tell him what I am going to be asked and Forbay through Sibiya would direct me how to answer those questions.”
According to Matlala, he was also instructed to change his testimony about visits to Sibiya’s home. He alleges that he was told to say he had visited the residence only to collect his wife, which he now claims was not the truth.
The allegations raise questions about whether Matlala’s evidence before the parliamentary committee was influenced by his former legal representative and whether his account of his relationship with Sibiya was fully disclosed.
The claims remain allegations contained in Matlala’s affidavit. They should not be treated as established facts unless corroborated or determined through the relevant legal processes.
