In a startling disclosure to Parliament, Deputy Minister Paulina Boshielo revealed an alleged attempt to bug her phone. The warning came amid investigations into Matlala’s R360m SAPS tender, now mired in controversy.
Her testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee on Political Interference in the Police exposed deep-seated tensions and possible surveillance within South Africa’s top policing structures.
“Be careful, there were attempts to bug your phone,”
— Shadrack Sibiya to Deputy Minister Paulina Boshielo
Related: Was The Hit Staged? Brown Mogotsi Says He’s ‘Living in Fear’ — uncover how new threats tie into the ongoing SAPS tender investigations.
Matlala’s R360m SAPS Tender Sparks Security Concerns
The phone bugging warning is reportedly tied to the 2024 R360 million health services tender awarded to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Documents presented to Parliament confirm that the contract yielded over R48 million in profits before it was abruptly cancelled by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. The deal raised red flags due to Matlala’s criminal background and political connections.
Deputy Minister Boshielo stated that she was alerted by Sibiya, the then–Deputy Police Commissioner, about potential misconduct linked to the tender.
Boshielo Defers Responsibility to Police Commissioner
While confirming she had received the warning, Boshielo stressed she did not intervene in procurement matters. She deferred responsibility to SAPS leadership.
“The Deputy Minister doesn’t deal with procurement issues. The National Commissioner, as accounting officer, does.”
— Dr Paulina Boshielo
Also read: Madlanga Commission: Khumalo Links Sibiya to Criminal Syndicates — explosive testimony reveals alleged ties between SAPS leadership and organised crime.
She added that she had forwarded her concerns to both Commissioner Masemola and other authorities.
No Conclusive Evidence Found on Phone Bugging
Despite the gravity of the allegation, no conclusive proof of phone bugging has been presented to Parliament or the commission.
However, the mere warning has raised significant questions about internal surveillance and sabotage tactics within SAPS and related structures.
Factionalism and Infiltration Within SAPS
Commissioner Masemola reportedly expressed concern that attempts to bug Boshielo’s phone could signal an effort to create divisions at the top.
“People want to bring friction between us because they see us working well together,”
— Fannie Masemola via Boshielo
This reflects the broader narrative emerging from both the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee: that powerful criminal and political interests have infiltrated key state institutions.
Disbandment of PKTT Further Fuels Suspicion
The same hearings also heard from KZN Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The PKTT was investigating high-profile political murders, many believed to be linked to syndicates like the one involving Matlala.
Mkhwanazi said the order appeared designed to protect Matlala and others under investigation, escalating concerns over political interference.
Calls for Independent Oversight and Reform
These developments have prompted calls from political observers and civil society for greater oversight of SAPS tenders and internal intelligence practices.
“This case underscores the urgency of reforming SAPS procurement and safeguarding internal operations from political manipulation.”
— Corruption Watch SA analyst
Integrity of SAPS at a Crossroads
The revelation that a Deputy Minister was warned of surveillance connected to a high-value tender is unprecedented. Although the phone bugging has not been proven, the allegation reflects an alarming breakdown in trust within the SAPS.
Read more: Hawks Boss Admits Interference in KT Molefe Arrest at Madlanga Commission for deeper insight into the obstruction claims.
As investigations continue, the links between Matlala’s R360m SAPS tender, surveillance tactics, and political sabotage could have wide-reaching implications for law enforcement integrity in South Africa.
