State’s attempt to fast-track Matlala's prosecution collapses

The State’s attempt to fast-track the prosecution of alleged crime kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has collapsed, with the matter now heading towards a full trial. Matlala has walked away from his plea agreement after rejecting the sentence attached to the deal. He had pleaded guilty to corruption, fraud and money laundering charges linked to the R228-million SAPS tender case. The agreement would have seen him serve an effective eight-year prison sentence in exchange for cooperating with the State as a witness. But the court rejected the proposed sentence, finding it too lenient given the seriousness of the charges. The case is expected back in court in September, where the state will seek to have Matlala reinstated as Accused Number One. Newzroom Afrika’s Veronica Makhoali reports... Follow us on our new Facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/2p9m6y52 #Newzroom405 Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.