Madlanga Commission | Witness claims Cat Matlala funded Sibiya’s son’s wedding

The Madlanga Commission has heard a recording allegedly of controversial businessman and alleged underworld boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, claiming he paid R300,000 towards suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya’s son’s wedding.

Witness C, a forensic investigator linked to the KwaZulu Natal Political Killings Task Team, presented excerpts of recorded conversations with Matlala made after his arrest in May 2023.

Police had arrested Matlala after his car suffered a flat tyre — while he was being pursued for allegedly ordering a botched hit on his ex-girlfriend, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, who narrowly survived an attack on the N1 highway that left her friend with a spinal injury.

Witness C testified that although Matlala was detained over the attempted hit, he volunteered information about his connections within the police, boasting about his close relationship with Sibiya and claiming he financed the wedding.

The commission heard a recording in which Matlala can allegedly be heard saying he was driving a Rolls-Royce on the day.

Matlala allegedly said he withdrew R500,000 and gave R300,000 to Sibiya, and that he once bought 20 impalas for Sibiya’s farm — all of which later died mysteriously.

Witness C told the commission the two often met at the Pretoria farm of the late transport mogul Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi. After Msibi’s death, Sibiya allegedly asked Matlala to “take care” of him — a request Matlala interpreted as financial support.

Matlala allegedly agreed to make R500,000 cash payments at a time.

The witness added that Matlala delivered the money in person to Sibiya’s home to avoid detection, receiving SAPS tenders and access to the Pretoria West Academy’s medical facility in return.

One of the drop-off points was allegedly a Sandton security complex where Johannesburg nightlife figure Serge ‘The Fixer’ Cabonge owns a house.

Witness C also told the commission that Matlala claimed to have contributed R500,000 to suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu’s ANC presidential campaign, saying he helped fund flights and accommodation for ANC members attending a Cape Town rally.

Witness C further testified that Matlala reportedly complained to Mchunu and SAPS official Brown Mogotsi about a December 6 police raid on his home linked to a kidnapping case involving businessman Jerry Boshoga.

Mchunu allegedly used his security detail to trace the officers involved and advised Matlala to open a theft case — accusing police of stealing luxury watches, firearms, and electronics.

Witness C said the complaint “did not carry much weight” and went nowhere.

Matlala also allegedly told investigators he felt betrayed by Mchunu for failing to protect him, despite his financial support to both the minister and senior SAPS officials — adding that he intended to approach the High Court to implicate Mchunu.

Hearings will resume on Monday, with a new witness set to take the stand.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao