Madlanga Commission | Mkhwanazi: Law enforcement bent rules for Matlala

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has revealed that some of the vehicles used by controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala for personal use, are registered to the Ekurhuleni municipality.

Testifying on Thursday, Mkhwanazi said Matlala has long enjoyed undue privilege from law enforcement, with Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly registering the vehicles on his behalf and fitting them with municipal blue lights.

As he concluded his second day of testimony, Mkhwanazi added that several metro officers have been implicated in aiding Matlala and his co-accused, Michael Pule Tau and Katiso “KT” Molefe, in their criminal activities.

One Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer, Johannes Mokgate, admitted to having close ties with the trio and benefiting from the relationship.

Mokgate was present when Molefe was arrested last December, Mkhwanazi read out his sworn affidavit.

Matlala is currently behind bars, accused of orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane in 2023.

He was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrates court on Wednesday.

Matlala who is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering, has also been heavily implicated in Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims.

At the same hearing, Mkhwanazi claimed Member of Parliament, Fadiel Adams, may be linked to the same alleged syndicate.

He accused Adams of unlawfully accessing police intelligence and obstructing investigations by repeatedly laying duplicate cases in Cape Town and Soweto regarding SAPS intelligence vetting.

Mkhwanazi also accused Adams of having unauthorized access to police intelligence and of deliberately obstructing police work.

The police commissioner alleged that Adams falsely claimed the KZN Political Killings Task Team was a private unit run by former minister Bheki Cele.

Furthermore, Mkhwanazi also revealed he has opened a case of crimen injuria and defeating the ends of justice over the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. He told the commission he would name those implicated at the conclusion of his testimony next week.

The commissioner is expected back on Friday to testify about the alleged relationship between North West businessman, Brown Mogotso and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe