Matlala Testifies on Police Ties and Corruption Allegations at Madlanga Commission

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding his relationships with high ranking police officials and allegations of criminal infiltration in law enforcement. Matlala stated that during an April 2025 meeting with KwaZulu Natal provincial commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, he discussed payments made to deputy national commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya by other individuals. Matlala clarified that he did not personally provide the money to Sibiya, who faces allegations of being bankrolled by Matlala in connection with a R228 million SAPS tender. Matlala claimed his meeting with Mkhwanazi, which was arranged by former police minister Bheki Cele, eventually led to his arrest on attempted murder charges in May 2025.

Matlala also addressed his relationship with former KwaZulu Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona, describing their bond as brotherly and strictly social. While Senona testified that they met at a wedding in 2019, Matlala testified that they had met previously at a farm owned by Jotham Msibi, an alleged leader of the Big Five cartel. Matlala admitted that Senona recommended clients to his security business, Cat VIP Protection, and that the two shared a mutual business project involving the purchase of a rental apartment costing less than R3 million. Matlala refused to provide further details on this project, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

Further testimony revealed that Matlala informed Senona about a December 2024 raid on his home by the Political Killings Task Team. Matlala stated that he later learned from Bheki Cele that the task team was responsible for the raid. WhatsApp messages presented to the commission show Senona sending Matlala a letter from suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu ordering the disbandment of that same task team.