By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Crime expert Calvin Rafadi, has resigned from his position as a research associate at the University of Johannesburg amid his links to criminally accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Fullview learnt that Rafadi tendered his resignation after the institution confirmed that it was addressing the matter internally.
“It has been brought to the university’s attention that his name was mentioned in one of the testimonies presented to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The university is actively addressing the matter internally,” UJ spokesperson Herman Esterhuizen said.
The commission is looking into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Esterhuizen said Rafadi, was a research associate linked to one of the university’s research chairs and not a full-time employee.
“Mr Calvin Rafadi is a research associate at one of university’s research chairs,” Esterhuizen said. He is not a full-time employee of the university, nor does he represent it in any official capacity.”
A research chair is a prestigious academic position held by a faculty member who is recognized for their outstanding research. These chairs are often created to promote a specific field of study, support a researcher’s program, or address a strategic area, and they can be funded internally by the university or externally by sponsors like governments or companies.
“It is a principled decision based on my respect for the academic community and the reputation of the University of Johannesburg, Rafadi said in a statement.
“I believe it is both ethical and responsible to ensure that the institution is not unnecessarily associated with media speculation or controversy.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the University of Johannesburg for the opportunity to contribute to academic research and development. It has been an honour to serve this esteemed institution.”
Rafadi was among individuals who, it was alleged, may have been paid to leak crucial police information to Matlala.
This is all at odds with Rafadi’s public persona – he has been quoted and interviewed extensively on different media platforms as a crime expert.
A website in his name describes him as a “Seasoned Certified Forensic Practitioner” who is “resolute in my commitment to unearthing the truth, upholding integrity, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves”.
Rafadi said he worked “on the ground” and therefore had access to information that high-ranking police officers – who relied on reports from colleagues to assess crime situations – did not have.
Rafadi added that he collected “appraisal letters” so it was known he was “connected to police”.
He intended to provide the Madlanga Commission with his version of events.
Meanwhile Matlala’s legal team has been battling to secure his release from custody, arguing that he deserves the opportunity to contest the charges against him while out on bail.
This comes as the State and Matlala’s legal team presented their heads of argument before the Gauteng High Court, sitting in Johannesburg, on Monday, with the presiding judge indicated that he had decided to reserve his judgment, which he will make known on Friday, October 24.
Matlala, whose name has also been linked with dodgy contracts at the Tembisa Hospital, faces accusations of masterminding the failed assassination of his former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023.
Matlala’s legal team has pleaded with the court to consider a R100,000 bail and a possible house arrest for his client, who has been willing to cooperate with the investigations against him.
The story has been updated with a full statement from Calvin Rafadi.