By Marcus Moloko
Until recently, Steve Motsumi, a Johannesburg businessman with interests in construction, money lending, and the taxi industry, lived in a heavily guarded estate in the northern suburbs, rarely appearing in public and often managing his affairs from a distance.
He kept both his family life and his alleged darker dealings out of public view until his name surfaced as one of the most feared and controversial figures at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
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Witness after witness has described him as dangerous, linking him to alleged police corruption, organised crime, and the so-called “Big Five” cartel.
His identity, initially concealed out of fear, has now become central to efforts to understand how criminal networks may have infiltrated the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Based on testimony before the commission, Motsumi is also said to be known by a number of aliases, including “Mthakathi”, “RR” and “Mswazi”.
Earlier this week, Witness F (aka Sergeant Fannie Nkosi) provided more details on how he acted as a middleman between suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and Motsumi.
Nkosi explained how he facilitated meetings between Sibiya and Motsumi, forwarded and exchanged confidential police documents and messages, and suggested that Motsumi had access to sensitive SAPS information through Sibiya.
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Nkosi also confessed to sharing confidential police reports regarding a R360 million contract with Motsumi.
Motsumi was also mentioned in relation to an extortion case where 50% of chrome from a Brits mine was demanded, according to testimony regarding Major-General Richard Shibiri.
Another witness to the commission was KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Major General Lesetja Senona, who indicated how Motsumi was connected to a circle within the SAPS.
His testimony reinforced fears that Motsumi was not just a businessman but a power broker with deep ties to criminal syndicates.
Early in the commission’s hearings, Motsumi was referred to only as “Mr So-and-so” or “the dangerous man”, as witnesses feared retaliation.
In late January 2026, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ordered that his name be disclosed publicly.
While reluctant to identify cartel members in open proceedings, Shibiri acknowledged knowledge of figures linked to the so-called “Big Five” — a group in which Motsumi has been implicated. The alleged cartel is said to include Joseph “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, Katiso “KT” Molefe and the late Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi.
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The group is accused of orchestrating violence, manipulating police investigations, and exerting control over lucrative sectors of the economy. Motsumi is alleged to be one of its central figures, with influence spanning both the taxi industry and organised crime networks.
His reputation has left multiple witnesses hesitant to name him, citing a climate of intimidation.
Motsumi’s alleged ownership of a private security firm, coupled with his ties to the taxi industry, appears to grant him both economic leverage and the kind of street-level influence flagged by the Madlanga Commission.
The commission is investigating how figures like Motsumi may have influenced police operations and eroded accountability.
As proceedings continue, more details about his alleged role are expected to emerge.