Madlanga Commission reveals links between late taxi boss Jothan Msibi and criminal networks

The Madlanga Commission has presented evidence linking the late taxi industry leader Jothan Msibi, an alleged head of the Big Five cartel, to a variety of criminal activities including tender rigging, tobacco smuggling, and the attempted acquisition of high tech spy equipment. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson presented communications showing that Msibi was used by the tobacco company Carnilinx to recover stolen stock and firearms. One message from Carnilinx director Kyle Phillips referred to Msibi as Pappa Joe while requesting help to retrieve stolen items.

Further testimony detailed a plot to acquire international mobile subscriber identity catchers, known as grabbers, from a Czech company called Invasys. These devices are used to spy on and download cellphone communications. The commission heard that Sgt Fannie Nkosi used his official police stamp and position to facilitate a demonstration of this technology at the SAPS head offices in Pretoria. While the Czech Republic was told the demonstration was for law enforcement, the evidence suggests it was actually for Msibi, who allegedly intended to sell the system to the Eswatini government. The deal reportedly involved murder accused Katiso Molefe and security boss Steve Motsumi, but it collapsed in October 2023.

Reports on these proceedings differ in their primary focus. A center left source framed the story as an exploration of the sprawling connections between the Big Five cartel, political figures, and private companies like Carnilinx. In contrast, a center right source framed the event as a clear example of the infiltration of the police force by criminal elements, emphasizing the fraud committed by Sgt Nkosi.