Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

For the first time, South Africans got a glimpse of alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has dominated headlines since his July 6 arrest following a high-profile media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. On Thursday, Matlala’s voice recordings were played at the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Criminal Infiltration, Corruption, and Political Interference in the Criminal Justice System—known as the Madlanga Commission. The recordings formed part of testimony by a police officer attached to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), now central to ongoing investigations. In the clips, Matlala can be heard name-dropping…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has accused suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of being corrupt and having accepted millions of rand from him in exchange for protection, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard on Thursday. Matlala, currently detained at Kgoshi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria on attempted murder charges involving his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane, allegedly made the explosive claims during an interrogation by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) following his arrest. A member of the PKTT, identified only as Witness C, testified in camera that Matlala began “dropping names” of powerful individuals who, he claimed, had…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria has heard that alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala expressed deep frustration and a sense of betrayal towards senior police figures — including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya — following his arrest on attempted murder charges and the cancellation of a multimillion-rand contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS). Testifying in camera, a member of the Political Killings Task Team, identified only as Witness C, told the inquiry that Matlala voluntarily shared detailed information about his alleged dealings with influential individuals, including Mchunu, Sibiya, and…

A group of smaller political parties in Johannesburg, calling themselves the Minority Governing Parties (MGP), have tabled a motion of no confidence against Mayor Dada Morero — but insist the move is not meant to collapse the ANC-led coalition government. The MGP, which includes parties such as Al Jama-ah, the African Transformation Movement (ATM), and the African Housing Confederation (AHC), accuses Morero of presiding over a “collapse in governance,” “administrative capture,” and “political interference” in the city’s operations. “The MGP wishes to make it categorically clear that this motion is not against the African National Congress (ANC) or its role…

Hawks Brigadier Lesiba Mokoena appeared before the Madlanga Commission to testify about his role in the armed standoff between Hawks officers and their SAPS colleagues at the home of alleged criminal mastermind Katiso KT Molefe on 6 December 2025. The standoff occurred while the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was attempting to arrest Molefe. Allegations suggest the Hawks were called to the scene by individuals close to Molefe in an effort to prevent the arrest. Mokoena confirmed he was instructed by the then Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to send a Hawks team to verify reports…

Embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied any links to alleged gang boss and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, insisting that he has never met or spoken to the man at the centre of a growing political and policing scandal. Mchunu continued his testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing claims that South Africa’s criminal justice system has been infiltrated by criminal cartels. The minister faced a tough grilling from ActionSA MP Darleen James, who pressed him on allegations that he took decisions to shield syndicates from investigation — including his controversial but failed attempt to disband the Political…

For years, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has marketed the Western Cape as the “model province” — a showcase of efficient governance and clean administration. But recent allegations against Premier Alan Winde have cast a shadow over that image, sparking debate about whether the DA’s much-touted success is built on a fragile foundation. Reports that Winde may have accepted illicit payments from contractors linked to provincial tenders — claims he denies — have triggered public outrage and raised questions about the DA’s moral high ground. For a party that has built its reputation on “clean governance,” the allegations cut deep, suggesting…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday adjourned its public hearings to allow an unnamed witness to testify in camera, citing the need to protect the integrity of ongoing police investigations. Evidence leader Mathew Chaskalson told the commission that the witness’s testimony related to cases still under active investigation, and revealing details publicly could jeopardise the work of law enforcement. “As explained in the application and submissions made earlier this week, the witness testifying today is going to speak about matters that are the subject of active, ongoing police investigations,” Chaskalson said. He emphasised that the decision to hold proceedings…

Police on Thursday raided the business premises of alleged influence peddler Brown Mogotsi in Mahikeng, sparking speculation that he might be arrested. A large police presence was observed at the property, with multiple vehicles stationed outside the premises in Seweding village, drawing the attention of local residents. Mogotsi, who was not present during the operation, later claimed the raid was politically motivated and orchestrated by powerful figures within the ANC seeking to silence him. Speaking live to Newzroom Afrika from a hotel in Johannesburg, Mogotsi alleged that the move formed part of an abuse of state power. “What is going…

Gauteng authorities have raised alarm over the impact of budget cuts on the province’s ability to deliver critical services, warning that continued austerity measures could cripple key sectors such as health and education. The concern was raised during a series of provincial government briefings in Johannesburg this week, following a meeting of the Gauteng Executive Council. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said her department continues to operate under mounting pressure, as budget allocations shrink while the number of patients in the province’s hospitals keeps rising. “We’re doing as much as we can with what we have,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko. “But when we…