A member of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit has admitted under oath that he ran errands and facilitated favours for alleged criminal kingpin and tender businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, raising fresh concerns about the depth of police compromise exposed by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The testimony affects the credibility of senior law enforcement structures in Gauteng and matters now as the commission continues to uncover evidence of improper relationships between police officials and civilians facing serious criminal allegations.
The officer, known publicly as Witness F, confirmed that his interactions with Matlala went beyond professional boundaries and included logistical support, personal assistance, and coordination of meetings involving senior police figures.
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Testimony Heard at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
Witness F gave evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing allegations of corruption, misconduct, and criminal infiltration within the South African Police Service.
During his testimony, Witness F acknowledged that he had close ties to Matlala and that, while stationed in Gauteng Organised Crime, he assisted the businessman with a range of personal and logistical matters.
He told the commission that these actions occurred while Matlala was already a figure of interest in multiple investigations.
Errands and Favours Detailed Under Oath
Witness F confirmed that he facilitated meetings on Matlala’s behalf and performed favours that had no lawful policing purpose.
Among the actions disclosed were:
- Arranging meetings between Matlala and senior police officials
- Organising a six-motorbike police escort for a private wedding
- Assisting with the repair and maintenance of a boat and jet ski linked to Matlala
He told the commission that Matlala paid him R20,000 to organise the motorbike escort for a wedding, although he claimed the money was shared among motorbike officers rather than kept for personal gain.
Wedding Escort Raises Serious Ethical Concerns
The use of police motorbike units for a private wedding emerged as one of the most controversial aspects of the testimony.
Witness F admitted that he coordinated the escort, despite acknowledging that the service had no official policing justification. He said the escort involved six police motorbikes and was arranged at Matlala’s request.
The admission adds to growing concern that police resources were being diverted for private use by individuals with close ties to law enforcement.
Boat and Jet Ski Repairs Linked to Criminal Figures
Witness F also told the commission that he assisted in repairing a boat and a jet ski connected to Matlala and to the late Pretoria taxi boss Jothan Msibi, also known as “Mswazi”.
He testified that he purchased replacement batteries for both watercraft after they had been left unused for extended periods.
“At one stage, I had to buy batteries for both the boat and the jet ski because they were standing for quite some time and as a result, the batteries got fried,” Witness F told the commission.
Links to Senior Police Leadership Examined
The commission has also been examining WhatsApp messages and electronic communications between Witness F and senior police officers.
Evidence before the inquiry indicates that Witness F facilitated contact between Matlala and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, as well as Gauteng Organised Crime head Richard Shibiri.
Witness F confirmed that he was instructed to invite Matlala to a function at Sibiya’s home in 2024.
Function at Sibiya’s Home Confirmed
During further testimony, Witness F told the commission that Matlala attended a gathering at Sibiya’s residence, alongside 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 has been probing whether such gatherings created informal channels of influence between police leadership and civilians under investigation.
Electronic Devices and Ongoing Evidence
The inquiry has also heard that several electronic devices were seized from Sibiya’s Centurion home as part of ongoing investigations.
Commissioners are scrutinising WhatsApp messages exchanged between Witness F and multiple senior officers to establish whether confidential police information was shared improperly with civilians.
Witness F is expected to continue his testimony, with further questioning focused on the flow of information and instructions within Gauteng Organised Crime.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the testimony highlights serious concerns about trust and accountability within provincial policing structures. Allegations that police officers used state resources for private favours undermine confidence in law enforcement, particularly in a province grappling with organised crime and violent crime levels.
The commission’s findings will likely shape future reforms, disciplinary processes and potential criminal prosecutions involving police officials.
Broader Context of the Police Crisis
The Madlanga Commission forms part of a broader national effort to address allegations of corruption and criminal networks operating within law enforcement.
Analysts say the inquiry’s revelations point to systemic weaknesses rather than isolated misconduct, with Gauteng emerging as a focal point due to its economic significance and crime challenges.
FAQ: Madlanga Commission and the Matlala Testimony
Who is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala?
He is a businessman and alleged criminal figure facing multiple allegations, including attempted murder.
Who is Witness F?
He is a member of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit testifying under a protected identity.
What is the Madlanga Commission investigating?
It is probing corruption, misconduct and criminal infiltration within SAPS.
Did Witness F admit wrongdoing?
He admitted to running errands and arranging favours but disputed personal financial benefit beyond facilitation.
Will there be further testimony?
Yes. Witness F is expected to continue testifying.
What Happens Next
The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing evidence from Witness F and other witnesses in the coming days. Commissioners will assess whether the testimony supports findings of misconduct, criminal liability or systemic failures within SAPS.
Any recommendations for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution or institutional reform will be outlined in the commission’s final report, which will be submitted to the President upon conclusion of proceedings.
