By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, concluded the testimony of Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, who has been a key figure in the parliamentary investigation into disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKKT).
But her appearance had been overshadowed by an allegation by deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya that her Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure had been paid for by none other than Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Senthulume again denied that she was in a relationship with Matlala, similar to her denial before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
When asked about her procedure, she stood up and showed MPs the results of the surgery, saying people expected it to be bigger, like celebrities who’d previously had this procedure.
She continued: “You can trace the money that I paid for my procedures. And I’ve given all of those statements as evidence to the evidence leaders. It’s available for the public. From my credit card to my cheque card to Dr Pert, who actually did my procedures.”
Senthimule testified that she first heard of Matlala at an engagement party held in honour of Sibiya’s son. This was held at the Sibiya home in September 2024.
A friend of hers, Major General Sandra Malebe-Thema, pointed out Matlala at the party. Malebe-Thema also introduced Senthumule to Matlala’s wife, Tsakane, who was also at the event.
General Malebe-Thema gave her Matlala’s number, Senthumule testified.
She told MPs that she called Matlala and explained the proposal for the sponsorship. After this call, she was put in contact with an associate of Matlala, who handled the sponsorship.
That was the extent of her interactions with Matlala, until she had seen his name mentioned in newspapers.
Several MPs pointed out that Senthumule should have known better than to interact with Matlala, and she eventually conceded that, in fact, she should have known better.
Senthumule also testified that she first learned of the disbandment of the PKTT nearly a month after it was ordered by suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
She stated that she received a letter dated February 4, 2025, from Sibiya, informing her of the disbandment, which was initially communicated through a letter issued on December 31, 2024.
Senthumule said Sibiya, Mchunu, and his chief of staff Cedrick Nkabinde were not happy that the PKTT was still to keep dockets because that would have meant that it was not disbanded.
“But eventually, the implementation plan was provisionally approved. The meeting agreed that 114 dockets remain with PKTT; however, as at when each case is concluded, the dedicated detective holding the docket and combat member assigned for his protection will withdraw from the team and return to their stations of origin.”
Senthumele said she had felt the meeting had given her permission to start the process of the handover of the dockets.
She said during March 2025, Sibiya made numerous enquiries and reminders on the handover process.
Lieutenant General Francina Vuma is expected to testify on Wednesday about the R45-million grabber, allegedly used at the African National Congress (ANC) elective conference in 2017.