Madlanga Commission | Witness I alleges plot to discredit his testimony

Witness I says he has received multiple calls informing him that senior Hawks officials are unhappy with his testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

The witness, who resumed his in-camera testimony on Wednesday, has so far outlined his version of events surrounding the controversial July 2021 Aeroton drug-bust, as well as alleged links between some officials and controversial figures.

In a startling revelation, Witness I told the commission that a colleague warned him of an alleged plot to discredit him by exposing a purported relationship with alleged underworld kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

In an effort to clear his name, Witness I testified that he stayed at Matlala’s family home in Mamelodi for two years from 2023, saying this followed an attempt assassination at his residence in September 2023.

He further testified that after spending a week in hospital, his firearm was recovered and he later learned the attack was allegedly a contract hit.

Witness I sais he still does not know who may have orchestrated the attack and that he temporarily relocated with his family for their safety.

He told the commission that his captain, Faleni Zungu, arranged for him to stay at the Mamelodi property, insisting he was initially unaware that it belonged to Matlala’s family, He added that he only met Matlala later, in the presence of Zungu and Brigadier, Lesiba Mokoena.

Witness I further testified that the Hawks’ intelligence-driven sub-section, the Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) has been effectively dismantled, blaming Lieutenant-General. Patrick Mbotho and Mokoena, for its decline.

He said TOMS members are now largely used for escort services within DCPI operations despite not being compensated for overtime work.

He further claimed members are required to surrender tactical equipment at the end of shifts, with gear stored at the office – a practice he criticised, as hindering rapid operational matters.

He placed the blame squarely on Mbotho and Mokoena.

The witness told the commission that members had long feared Mbotho’s alleged restructuring plans would eventually be implemented.

Witness I also refuted claims by suspended deputy Crime Intelligence head, Major-General Feroz Khan, that the two had spoken during the controversial July 2021 Aeroton drug bust.

The incident relates to the seizure of 715 kilograms of cocaine, estimated at around R300 million, discovered concealed in a Scania shipping container at a warehouse in Aeroton, Johannesburg.

Witness I accused Khan of lying under oath, insisting that the major-general did not greet anyone at the scene and that no conversation took place.

In a statement read into the record at the commission, Khan claimed he spoke to Witness I at the scene, where Witness I allegedly told him he was leading the operation and was attached to the DPCI in Pretoria.

In the same statement, Khan also claimed that Witness I identified his immediate superior as Colonel Bok.

While Khan was correct about the witness’s unit and commanding officer, Witness I denied ever speaking to Khan during the operation.

He suggested that Khan may have obtained that information from senior officers present at the scene.

However, Colonel Bok, in a statement read into the record, confirmed that Khan had phoned him on the day of the drug bust to verify Witness I’s deployment.

Gauteng Hawks head Major-General, Ebrahim Kadwa, previously told the commission that a separate call with Bok confirmed that Witness I’s assignment to the operation.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao