The Madlanga Commission has become a crucial forum in uncovering the dark underbelly of criminal activities in South Africa, specifically focusing on the notorious ‘Big 5’ Cartel. The testimonies from key figures such as Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo have revealed shocking connections between alleged criminals like Katiso “KT” Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and a network that stretches across political, law enforcement, and business sectors. This article explores the key findings and ongoing developments from the Madlanga Commission, shedding light on the cartel’s operations and the powerful figures involved.
What is the Madlanga Commission?
The Madlanga Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to growing concerns over corruption, political killings, and criminal networks operating within South Africa. Named after former Constitutional Court Judge Zukisa Madlanga, the commission’s primary goal is to investigate and expose the systemic issues within South Africa’s policing structures and their links to criminal syndicates.
From its inception, the commission has delved deep into the infiltration of political spheres, law enforcement, and even private businesses by criminal syndicates. The findings from these investigations are expected to have far-reaching implications for how South Africa confronts organised crime and corruption at the highest levels.
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Key Figures in the ‘Big 5’ Cartel
The Big 5 Cartel is an alleged criminal syndicate with international reach, involved in a variety of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, tender fraud, contract killings, kidnappings, and extortion. At the forefront of this cartel are two notable figures: KT Molefe and Cat Matlala.
KT Molefe is reportedly a business tycoon with ties to gangland figures and is a key suspect in the murder of DJ Sumbody (Oupa Sefoka), a high-profile Gauteng businessman. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, another cartel leader, has been linked to numerous criminal activities, including financial backing for political ambitions and manipulating police investigations to avoid prosecution.
These two figures are allegedly part of a sophisticated criminal organisation that spans South Africa’s borders, weaving through local politics, the criminal justice system, and business enterprises.
Dumisani Khumalo’s Explosive Testimony
One of the most significant contributions to the Madlanga Commission was made by Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, who previously served as the head of Crime Intelligence. During his testimony, Khumalo provided detailed evidence about the inner workings of the Big 5 Cartel.
Khumalo’s statement identified Molefe and Matlala as key members at the base of the cartel’s structure. According to Khumalo, the cartel’s operations were not limited to South Africa. The syndicate had international connections, operating across multiple continents, with Gauteng serving as its operational headquarters.
The ‘Big 5’ Cartel’s Criminal Activities
The Big 5 Cartel is notorious for its diverse criminal activities, which include:
- Illicit Drug Trafficking – The cartel is deeply involved in drug trafficking, not only within South Africa but across international borders.
- Contract Killings – The cartel has been linked to several high-profile assassinations, often connected to political motives.
- Cross-Border Vehicle Hijacking and Kidnappings – These activities form a part of their operations aimed at financing the cartel’s criminal network.
- Tender Fraud and Extortion – The cartel manipulates public contracts and extorts local businesses, cementing its power over legitimate enterprises.
Political and Law Enforcement Infiltration
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the cartel’s operations, as uncovered by the Madlanga Commission, is its alleged infiltration of political and law enforcement circles. Khumalo testified that the cartel had cultivated relationships with high-ranking political figures and law enforcement officials who provided protection, suppressed evidence, and manipulated investigations on their behalf.
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This political and police corruption has allowed the cartel to operate with impunity, shielding its members from prosecution and ensuring the continuation of its illicit activities. According to Khumalo, the Big 5 Cartel has made significant inroads within the South African Police Service (SAPS), using these connections to frustrate investigations into their operations.
WhatsApp Messages as Evidence
Khumalo’s testimony was backed up by WhatsApp conversations from Matlala’s mobile phone, which included exchanges with several high-profile figures, including senior police officials and businessmen. The messages revealed attempts to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a unit that had been investigating criminal activities in the region.
These chats provide tangible evidence of how the cartel manipulated law enforcement and political figures to cover up its crimes and ensure that its operations continued unchecked.
Financial Backing of Political Events
One of the most troubling revelations from the Madlanga Commission is the connection between the Big 5 Cartel and political events. Khumalo detailed how Matlala, or his employees, would finance political events, specifically those associated with Minister Mchunu. This financial support was linked to the ANC’s events, where delegates received favours in exchange for political influence that helped shield cartel members from investigation.
Khumalo noted that Brown Mogotsi, a businessman with ties to Mchunu, played a pivotal role in influencing police investigations in favour of Matlala. The corrupt practices within these circles have only served to empower the Big 5 Cartel, enabling them to operate with increased impunity.
The Cartel’s Reach into Private Security
The Big 5 Cartel also expanded its reach into legitimate businesses, particularly private security companies. These businesses served as front operations, providing the cartel with access to firearms and the ability to conduct illicit activities under the guise of lawful operations.
This strategic use of private security companies gave cartel members the ability to move freely, conduct illegal operations, and maintain control over certain territories. By leveraging legitimate business ventures, the cartel ensured that its illegal activities remained hidden from public view.
The International Aspect of the ‘Big 5’ Cartel
While the Big 5 Cartel has a significant presence in South Africa, its operations extend globally. Khumalo explained that members of the cartel often had dual citizenship, which allowed them to move freely across borders, facilitating drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
The cartel’s international reach complicates efforts by law enforcement to track and dismantle its operations, as the syndicate has the ability to hide assets, move funds, and transport goods with relative ease.
The Role of Loyalty in Cartel Operations
Loyalty is one of the core values of the Big 5 Cartel. Khumalo stated that membership was not static; individuals could remain involved in cartel activities even after retiring, provided they maintained the trust of the organisation.
This fluid membership allowed the cartel to remain resilient, as individuals who were once actively involved could continue to broker deals, advise new recruits, or inform cartel leaders about law enforcement activities.
The Future of the Madlanga Commission
As the Madlanga Commission continues, more evidence is expected to surface, shedding light on the full extent of the Big 5 Cartel’s operations. Key individuals, including Molefe, Matlala, and their alleged associates, are likely to face further scrutiny as more witnesses come forward.
The commission’s findings could lead to a major overhaul of South Africa’s political and law enforcement systems, with efforts to dismantle corruption and criminal networks. However, the road to justice will undoubtedly be challenging, as political interference and high-level corruption continue to impede efforts for reform.
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The Madlanga Commission has revealed a disturbing web of criminal activity linking KT Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to the Big 5 Cartel. Their involvement in a range of illicit activities, combined with political and law enforcement corruption, paints a picture of a deeply embedded criminal syndicate. As the commission unfolds, the public and authorities alike will be waiting for the truth to be revealed and the perpetrators held accountable.
