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 alleged influence broker Brown Mogotsi.
Witness C said Matlala, who consented to being recorded, described himself as “bitter” and “let down” after the top officials he allegedly financed failed to protect him.
“I can describe Mr Matlala as a bitter man. He’s really unhappy, feels let down and says none of them did what they were supposed to — they kept extending a taking hand,” Witness C told the commission.
According to the testimony, Matlala claimed to have bankrolled Mchunu, Sibiya, Mogotsi and others with millions of rand in exchange for protection and influence within the police service — support he said vanished once his legal troubles began.
Witness C further linked Matlala to former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, saying his arrest followed a vehicle puncture while allegedly speeding away from Phiyega’s home in Midrand.
“We had been monitoring Mr Matlala for some time. On that day, he was speeding from Riah Phiyega’s house when his car had a puncture, which created the opportunity for us to arrest him,” Witness C said.
The task team member added that Matlala had been cooperative since his arrest, and that information he provided had “proved to be accurate.”
“Soon after we arrested him, Mr Matlala started dropping names, telling us how much he gave to each person and for what,” the witness said.
The commission continues to hear evidence from multiple law enforcement officers as it probes alleged corruption, political interference, and criminal networks within the police.
🕒 Sidebar: Timeline of Key Events
- Early 2024: SAPS cancels multimillion-rand tender linked to Matlala.
- Mid-2024: Matlala arrested on attempted murder charges in Midrand.
- October 2025: Political Killings Task Team member testifies in camera before Madlanga Commission.
- Ongoing: Commission continues to hear evidence on alleged high-level police corruption.