During testimony before the Madlanga Commission, the name of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa surfaced as Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala discussed the transfer of confidential information between himself and high-ranking police officials. The commission scrutinized a document that allegedly contained personal data linked to Ramaphosa, which Matlala had forwarded to former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona. According to Matlala, he had received this document from private investigator Calvin Rafadi but was unaware of its contents or source, and his testimony did not suggest any misconduct by Ramaphosa.
The commission’s inquiry also delved into Matlala’s association with Senona, whom Matlala referred to as an “older brother.” He recounted how Senona had lent him R20,000 following a police raid on his Pretoria residence in December 2024. This financial assistance highlighted the personal nature of their relationship amid the commission’s investigation into broader allegations of corruption and misconduct within the country’s criminal justice system.
Adding complexity to the proceedings, Matlala leveled accusations involving the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya. Matlala claimed that Sergeant Fannie Nkosi acted as an intermediary in allegedly collecting money from individuals in Gauteng. However, he refrained from naming these individuals, citing his right against self-incrimination due to ongoing criminal charges against him.
These developments are part of the Madlanga Commission’s larger mandate to probe into claims of corruption, criminal activities, and political interference affecting South Africa’s law enforcement bodies. The commission seeks to unravel these intricate relationships and actions that could have significant implications for the integrity of the nation’s criminal justice system.