Defence challenges paramedic’s testimony in Matlala trial

The defence has sought to challenge the testimony of a paramedic in the attempted murder trial of alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and his co-accused.

Paramedic, Mary Nkgapele, took the stand in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday as the trial-within-a-trial continued to examine allegations that accused number one, Musa Kekana, was assaulted and suffocated by police following his arrest in April 2024.

Nkgapele told the court that she assessed Kekana after police reported that he was experiencing severe breathing difficulties and coughing up blood.

She said Kekana was alert during her assessment and showed no visible external injuries following a head-to-toe examination.

However, under cross-examination, Nkgapele acknowledged that Kekana told her he had been assaulted by police.

The defence questioned why the allegation was not recorded in Nkgapele’s official patient report or communicated to doctors at Edenvale Government Hospital, where Kekana was subsequently treated.

Nkgapele conceded under oath that failing to document the allegation amounted to a breach of her duty.

Defence advocate, Riaan Gissing, also challenged Nkgapele on her ability to account for what happened to Kekana while police moved him around a residential property.

Nkgapele acknowledged that she did not have continuous sight of Kekana for about an hour, meaning she could not dispute allegations that police threatened or assaulted him, or removed his oxygen line while she was not present.

The defence also questioned the circumstances in which Nkgapele’s statement was prepared.

Matlala’s lawyer, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, revealed that the State had provided Kekana’s medical records to Nkgapele to assist her in preparing for her testimony.

Nkgapele explained that she was unable to retrieve the notes she had made after examining Kekana on the day of his arrest.

The State clarified that the medical records had been obtained from Edenvale Government Hospital.

Van den Heever also questioned whether Nkgapele’s statement had been prepared with the assistance of police, further placing her evidence under scrutiny.

Nkgapele maintains that while she assessed Kekana after police reported his medical emergency, she did not witness him being assaulted.

The trial-within-a-trial continues to determine whether evidence and statements obtained following Kekana’s arrest can be admitted in the main trial

Matlala and his four co-accused face several charges in connection with alleged attempted hit plots targeting taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Matlala’s former girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubung between August 2022 and January 2024.

They face charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, money laundering, and the illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.

All five accused have pleaded not guilty.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe