Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating cartel infiltration in the criminal justice system, where he will be questioned about a string of serious allegations spanning murders, cover-ups and corruption. Mkhwanazi, who was placed on special leave earlier this year, has been directly implicated by multiple witnesses, including convicted criminal Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Last week, Matlala told the committee that he enjoyed a close friendship with Mkhwanazi and “donated” several vehicles to the City of Ekurhuleni as part of an arrangement with the deputy chief. However, former…

Former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi came under sharp criticism at the Madlanga Commission after she accused suspended metro police chief Jabulani Mapiyeye of years-long harassment and possible rape of female colleagues—without providing substantiating evidence. Evidence Leader Advocate Mahlape Sello challenged Mashazi for relying on a 2011 rape charge that was withdrawn, accusing her of “weaponising rape” for ulterior motives. “You omitted to inform the commission that the rape charge you rely on was withdrawn a long time ago… This commission is not in the business of inflicting secondary victimisation,” Sello said. When questioned about her own lack of action,…

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System—commonly referred to as the Madlanga Commission, after its chair, retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga—was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025. It stems from explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused high-level figures, including then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of undermining investigations into politically motivated killings and colluding with organized crime elements. Public hearings began on September 17, 2025, and have uncovered layers of alleged interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), including the controversial…

Ekurhuleni’s former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi clashed repeatedly with evidence leader Adv Mahlapi Sello during a fiery appearance before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, 1 December 2025. Mashazi, accused of protecting suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action, was reprimanded several times for being uncooperative, consulting her phone, answering back and failing to answer questions directly. Sello warned: “We are not going to work like this. You’re either with the commission or you ask for time to attend to your phone.” The former city manager denied shielding Mkhwanazi over his controversial dealings with accused criminal Vusimuzi “Cat”…

South Africans were on Thursday offered rare insight into the life of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman accused of being the alleged criminal figure known as “John Wick”. Appearing before Parliament, Matlala was questioned over his alleged involvement in violent crimes, including kidnapping, attempted murder, and suspected corruption involving senior police officials and politicians. Matlala firmly rejected all allegations, insisting he is not part of any criminal cartel and claiming that actions taken against him—including the cancellation of his South African Police Service (SAPS) tender and his subsequent arrest—were politically motivated. “It was orchestrated by people who wanted to use…

An emotional testimony unfolded at the Kgoshi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria when alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala recounted his traumatic childhood during an Adhoc Committee hearing probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Matlala told the committee he grew up on the streets after his mother — whom he described as an albino — disappeared under tragic circumstances. He alleged she was the victim of sexual violence driven by harmful superstitions. “My mother, she was an albino. I learned she was raped because some people believe you can be cured of some things if you rape…

The G20’s historic declaration at its first-ever summit on African soil has been widely hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough. And yes — securing a commitment to the restitution of cultural property is no small feat. Africa’s long fight to reclaim stolen heritage has finally been acknowledged at the world’s premier economic forum. But let’s be honest: this is a partial victory dressed up as a triumph. For all its celebratory language, the declaration avoids the one word African nations most needed to hear — reparations. In doing so, the G20 sends a clear message: the world is ready to honor…

Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has disrupted proceedings at the Adhoc Committee investigating allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that criminal cartels have infiltrated the justice system, capturing corrupt politicians and judicial officers. Matlala, who has long been rumored to have ties to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, denied any personal acquaintance with the minister. He admitted only that former Police Minister Bheki Cele had informed him about Mchunu’s political ambitions. “No. Let me explain. It was not Mr. Mogotsi who told me about Mchunu wanting to be president. It was former Minister Cele who told me that…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared shackled before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Tuesday, 26 November 2025, at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. The high-stakes hearing is investigating explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of a powerful syndicate infiltrating the South African Police Service (SAPS). The assurance was granted after Matlala, testifying from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, repeatedly refused to answer questions about a cancelled R360-million health services tender awarded to one of his companies by the SAPS. “I respectfully want to assist, but I cannot go further because of the health…

Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to deliver explosive testimony on Wednesday before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The hearings are being held this week at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre to accommodate Matlala, who remains in custody while awaiting trial. Matlala sits at the centre of claims by Mkhwanazi that powerful criminal cartels have infiltrated South Africa’s justice system by capturing politicians, senior police officers and even members of the judiciary. He has previously told the police’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) that he had dealings…