Medicare24 Group CEO Mike van Wyk’s scheduled appearance before the Madlanga Commission has been postponed indefinitely after his legal team told the inquiry that he is currently medically unfit to testify.

Van Wyk was expected to testify before the commission on Monday, but he was not present when proceedings got under way.

His legal representative, attorney Sandy Du Plessis, applied for a postponement, informing the commission that Van Wyk is suffering from panic attacks and that his psychiatrist has recommended that he be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson said that if Van Wyk is medically unfit to testify, the commission would not insist on his appearance at this stage.

However, Chaskalson requested permission to place on record the evidence that Van Wyk was expected to be questioned on during his appearance before the commission.

Du Plessis told the commission that her junior counsel was in the process of commissioning an affidavit and obtaining a sick note to support Van Wyk’s application for a postponement.

Chaskalson said the commission had considered an affidavit from Van Wyk’s psychiatrist and accepted that he is currently not fit to testify.

The commission will nevertheless proceed with placing on record the evidence that Van Wyk was expected to be questioned on.

Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga handed down a ruling agreed to by all legal teams.

Van Wyk’s appearance before the commission has been postponed sine die, meaning indefinitely.

The evidence leader will place on record the evidence that Van Wyk was expected to be questioned on.

Van Wyk may submit a supplementary statement by 6 July. If evidence leaders wish to recall him after receiving the statement, they must provide at least seven days’ notice.

Van Wyk is known to have close ties with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.