By Johnathan Paoli
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola told the Madlanga Commission on Monday that a whistleblower had warned him about the close relationship between Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya, and controversial Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Masemola further testified that the whistleblower told him that the closeness between Sibiya and businessman was such that Matlala could be regarded as a de facto ‘deputy police commissioner’, appearing to work alongside Sibiya and even directing police operations.
“This person [a whistleblower] told me that Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is actually one of my deputies calling the shots and that I’m just not aware of it,” he said, describing the alleged relationship between Sibiya and Matlala.
The full extent of what was exchanged between them remains under investigation, he told the commissioners.
Masemola also testified that the alleged kidnapping of businessman Jerry Boshoga revealed just how close Sibiya and Matlala were.
“The whistleblower also said that Mr. Matlala may be implicated in the kidnapping of Mr. Jerry Boshoga. He further said that Mr. Matlala and General Sibiya are very close, sharing information and working together [on different police investigations],” Masemola added.
Chief evidence leader of the Madlanga Commission, Advocate Terry Motau, then pressed Masemola on the limited nature of his testimony.
“Perhaps you could explain to the Commission if there is a reason why you are not at liberty to disclose the full extent of what was revealed. That way, the Commission can understand why you are presenting it in this limited way,” Motau asked.
Masemola replied: “Matters relating to this are still under investigation. However, the person did tell me that the closeness between Mr. Matlala and General Sibiya was such that, in his words, Mr. Matlala is practically one of my deputies.’ He claimed they direct police officers together and issue instructions jointly. That was the allegation brought to my attention. I think it is best to leave it at that.”
Matlala, who was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, faces charges of attempted murder in connection with his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane.
His next court appearance will be on 7 October.
Masemola’s evidence came after a dramatic week of testimony from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi alleged that the disbandment of the Police Killings Task Team (PKTT) was politically motivated and aimed at protecting powerful figures linked to criminal networks.
He also defended embattled Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, claiming fraud charges against him were fabricated to derail investigations into drug cartels and high-profile murders in Gauteng.
Mkhwanazi further implicated Members of Parliament (MPs) Fadiel Adams and Dianne Kohler Barnard, accusing them of mishandling confidential intelligence and contributing to Khumalo’s arrest.
Both MPs have denied any wrongdoing and are expected to appear before the commission at a later stage.
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