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 benefited financially from him.
“General Sibiya loves money a lot. He loves money, that one… He’s a criminal — the general is a criminal himself,” said Witness C, quoting Matlala’s statement during interrogation.
“As I’m telling you he’s someone who drops everything when you mention money” Matlala said about Sibiya.
Allegations of bribery and betrayal
According to Witness C, Matlala claimed to have had a close relationship with both Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Sibiya, and that he funded them regularly through cash payments and favours.
He alleged that both Mchunu and Sibiya turned against him after he refused to lay false criminal charges against members of the PKTT.
Matlala said Mchunu and Sibiya wanted him to accuse officers of stealing his Rolex watch and pistol, but he backed down after seeking advice from former police minister Bheki Cele, who allegedly warned him against fabricating charges.
“When I refused to proceed with the false claims, Mchunu got angry and instructed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to cancel my R320 million tender,” Matlala reportedly said in a recording played at the commission.
Matlala further claimed he bankrolled Sibiya, giving him:
- R2 million to buy a farm
- R300,000 as a gift for his son’s wedding
- Regular cash payments of up to R1 million each time his company was paid by the police
He also claimed to have given Sibiya 20 impalas for his farm — which, Witness C testified, “later died.”
“He said all 20 impalas died at the general’s farm. We just joked around about it and said maybe the impalas did not like General Sibiya,” Witness C told the inquiry, drawing muted laughter from those present.
Links to other top officials
Matlala also mentioned other high-ranking figures, including alleged “fixer” Brown Mogotsi, former police commissioner Riah Phiyega, and head of intelligence Major-General Dumisani Khumalo.
Witness C said Matlala appeared “bitter” and “let down” by those he claimed to have helped.
“He felt betrayed — he said none of them did what they were supposed to do to help him,” the officer testified.
The officer added that although most payments could not be proven, Matlala’s information had thus far proven accurate and consistent with other findings of the task team.
The Madlanga Commission adjourned on Thursday and is set to resume on Monday.
Sidebar: Timeline of Key Events in the Matlala Scandal
- 2024 December: Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala arrested on attempted murder charges.
- Early 2025: PKTT begins probing Matlala’s alleged ties to police officials.
- Mid-2025: Suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya implicated in alleged bribery scheme.
- October 2025: PKTT officer testifies at the Madlanga Commission about Matlala’s statements and alleged payments.
- Next session: Commission to resume hearings on Monday with further witnesses.