By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Witness F, a member of the Gauteng Organised Crime unit, confirmed to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he was instructed by the suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya to invite Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to an event at his home in 2024.
Witness F confirmed that Matlala attended a function at Sibiya’s home, together with SAPS organised crime investigation boss Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri and other senior police officials.
“If I can remember correctly, it was an event at General Sibiya’s house. It was a thanksgiving ceremony,” Witness F said.
The commission also heard that Shibiri, sent Witness F a screenshot of an X post by controversial blogger Musa Khawula implicating Matlala in serious crimes, including links to whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s murder.
Witness F confirmed receiving the screenshot days after a private ceremony attended by both Sibiya and Matlala.
He said Shibiri later warned Khawula against publishing such allegations. Despite this, commission was presented with documents showing an application for Khawula’s arrest in October 2024 for alleged contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act and crimen injuria.
According to the post attributed to Khawula, Matlala is alleged to be one of the Boko Haram gang bosses, to have defrauded Tembisa Hospital of R1 million, and to be linked to the murder of Deokaran.
The post further claimed that Matlala previously operated his drug business through the late Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.
Witness F told the commission that Shibiri later informed him he had warned Khawula against publishing such allegations about Matlala.
The commission was also presented with a document appearing to be an application for Khawula’s arrest in October 2024 for contravening Section 13 of the Cybercrimes Act and for crimen injuria.
Witness F testified that he was instructed to arrest Khawula as a matter of urgency — despite being off duty at the time.
He further claimed that under instruction from Sibiya, he forwarded the arrest warrant to Khawula — believing at the time that it was appropriate.
The Gauteng Tracking Team was deployed to assist with the arrest, which Witness F said ultimately related to alleged insults against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and businessman Ze Nxumalo, rather than posts about Matlala.
He told the commission that Hawks Captain Faleni Zungu was identified as the most suitable officer to assist with the arrest.
He also did not deny receiving money from Matlala on more than one occasion, but maintained that the funds were either for assisting with repairs to Matlala’s boats and jet skis, or for arranging logistics at private events.
Witness F told the commission that on one occasion, Matlala paid him to organise a motorcycle convoy for a wedding in Mamelodi. Witness F told the commission that he arranged six biker friends, each of whom was paid R2,500 for escorting the convoy.
The commission also revealed a statement reflecting a R20,000 deposit into Witness F’s ABSA account. He claimed the money was intended to pay the bikers.
When questioned about why he received an additional R5,000 beyond the R15,000 required, Witness F said the amount was a bonus given for what he described as “excellent service”.
However, the commission’s evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, challenged this explanation, suggesting that the R20,000 payment was in fact a reward to Witness F for assisting Matlala with arranging blue lights services and sirens for his personal convoy — an allegation the witness denied.
The dozens of witnesses are expected to testify over the coming months as the probe continues under the terms of reference issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 July 2025.
Phase One had focused on establishing the factual basis of KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations, with the commission hearing evidence from witnesses able to substantiate the claims that led to its formation.
Phase Two allowed those implicated to respond to the allegations and raise their own claims.
Phase Three currently underway will see Mkhwanazi and supporting witnesses recalled, with their evidence subjected to testing through questioning and rebuttal.