South Africa : Questions Mount Over Matlala Reluctance to Discuss Relationship With Sibiya

Serious questions are emerging from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's evidence about his relationship with suspended deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya, which he was reluctant to discuss. On Monday, the Madlanga Commission turned to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's continued reluctance to answer questions, which he has asserted is his constitutional privilege against self-incrimination when it comes to matters linked to investigations that could incriminate him. The commission, however, is now testing the limits of that claim, asking: does the privilege give Matlala a broad shield against questions about his relationships with senior police officials, or does it protect only answers that pose a real risk of self-incrimination?