##Who Is Mike van Wyk?
Mike van Wyk is the chief executive officer of Medicare24, a company that provides health‑related services. He has been called to appear before the Madlanga Commission, which is looking into several serious allegations involving his business and personal connections.
## Why He Was Summoned
The commission subpoenaed van Wyk to testify on June 22. Investigators want to hear his side of the story about:
* Questionable tender deals
* Alleged ties to a known underworld figure
* Possible improper influence in municipal and police matters
## Health Issues Leading to Postponement
Just before his scheduled appearance, van Wyk’s legal team said he was unable to testify because of health problems.
### Panic Attacks and Psychiatrist Visit
On June 17 van Wyk experienced panic attacks and consulted a psychiatrist. The doctor advised him to seek psychiatric treatment.
### Hospital Admission
Following the consultation, he was admitted to hospital on Sunday. His lawyer, Sandy du Plessis, told the commission that a medical certificate confirmed the need for urgent care.
## Legal Team’s Arguments
Besides health concerns, van Wyk’s lawyers gave two more reasons for postponing his testimony.
### Need for More Preparation Time
They said the relevant documents were only handed over late, leaving insufficient time to review them properly.
### Late Document Delivery
The delay in receiving evidence meant the defense could not be ready to answer questions accurately.
## What the Commission Is Investigating
The Madlanga Commission is probing several areas where van Wyk and Medicare24 are implicated.
### Tender Irregularities
Investigators allege that some government tenders were awarded irregularly, possibly benefiting Medicare24.
### Links to Underworld Figure
Forensic evidence connects van Wyk to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a figure linked to organized crime, who reportedly tried to buy a Medicare24 franchise.
### SAPS Tender Scandal
A cancelled R360‑million health‑risk management tender for the South African Police Service in Tshwane led to the arrests of several senior officers. The commission is examining whether Medicare24 played a role in that process.
### WhatsApp Messages with EMPD Official
Messages allegedly show van Wyk advising Julius Mkhwanazi, a suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, on how to draft municipal memorandums of understanding.
## Next Steps
The commission will review the medical records and supporting documents before deciding whether to allow van Wyk’s testimony to proceed at a later date or to proceed without his testimony. A ruling on the postponement request is expected once all paperwork is examined.
## Conclusion
Mike van Wyk’s sudden health‑the panic attacks and a psychiatrist’s advice, has delayed appearance before the Madlanga Commission. While his health and legal concerns are genuine, the commission must also consider the seriousness of the allegations against him and his company. The outcome will shape how the investigation moves forward and whether van Wyk will eventually have to answer the commission’s questions.
