Madlanga Commission Delays Van Wyk Testimony in Drug Probe

A high-profile corruption inquiry heard new allegations on Monday linking a businessman to a cocaine transaction, while the chief executive scheduled to testify was hospitalized for psychiatric care. The Madlanga Commission, sitting at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, postponed the testimony of Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk after his lawyer said he was admitted to a psychiatric unit following severe panic attacks.

Van Wyk's legal representative, Sandy du Plessis, informed the commission that a psychiatrist recommended hospitalization after Van Wyk suffered another panic attack on Sunday. Chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga granted the postponement but allowed evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson to proceed with presenting a bundle of evidence against Van Wyk in his absence. Van Wyk has until July 6 to submit a supplementary affidavit to address the material, and he may be recalled to testify later.

Central to Monday's proceedings were WhatsApp exchanges between Van Wyk and businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala from December 2024 to May 2025. Chaskalson presented a video clip, dated April 6, 2025, that Matlala allegedly sent to Van Wyk. The video showed five...