Madlanga Commission | I was unaware of the serious allegations against Matlala: Sibiya

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, has told the Madlanga Commission that when he met alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala in 2024, he was unaware of the extent and seriousness of the criminal allegations against him.

Sibiya returned to commission for his fourth day of testimony on Monday, where he faces allegations that he received financial favours from Matlala in exchange for influencing matters within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The commission put it to Sibiya that, at the time he allegedly interacted with Matlala, the businessman was accused of unlawfully obtaining blue-light privileges for his private and business vehicles. He was also linked to the Tembisa Hospital scandal, which culminated in the 2021 assassination of whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran.

Sibiya acknowledged that he was aware both the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) were investigating Matlala in relation to these matters, however he maintains that he was not aware of the full scope or seriousness of the allegations against him.

He maintained that his interactions with Matlala were limited, claiming they met in person fewer than five times.

Earlier testimony from Witness F alleged that Sibiya had directed Matlala to pass messages to the witness when he was unreachable, an accusation Sibiya has strongly denied.

Impalas controversy

Sibiya also rejected claims that Matlala arranged for impalas to be delivered to his Centurion property.

He told the commission that when he purchased the plot nine years ago, the previous owner – who was also his neighbour – sold the property with animals already on the land, including waterbuck and sheep. He said he later bought additional livestock in his personal capacity, including at least six impalas.

“I was already fired by the police and when they gave me money I bought that place. When I purchased the place, I found it with some animals in it. I carried on living with the animals but impalas were never delivered, either than what I bought myself, I was buying gradually. Because I went and bought sheep, goats, and I added with some four or six impalas at that time,” Sibiya said.

He added that maintaining the animals had become financially unsustainable, costing him around R12,000 per month, and that some impalas had died after consuming toxic substances.

The commission heard that Sibiya had shared a pin-drop location after Matlala allegedly requested the animals be delivered. However, Sibiya maintains that he made it clear to Sergeant Fannie Nkosi (Witness F) that he did not want the impalas.

Commission evidence leader, Advocate Adila Hassim, challenged this version, noting that if Sibiya truly didn’t want the animals, WhatsApp exchanges with Nkosi would have reflected that – but they do not.

Engagement party dispute

Sibiya further denied that Matlala attended his son’s engagement party as an invited guest.

This follows earlier testimony suggesting that Sibiya personally invited Matlala to celebrate the occasion.

The commission examined WhatsApp exchanges between Sibiya and Witness F, in which Sibiya asked Matlala to “make a turn” at his home after queries were raised about whether Matlala would be welcomed at the September 2024 event.

Sibiya explained that he referred to Matlala by his nickname “Cat” because it was commonly used, and insisted this did not imply friendship.

He further testified that several senior SAPS officials attended the engagement party, including General Khosi Senthumule, Matlala’s wife, and former SAPS College head, Sandra Malebe-Thema.

According to Sibiya, Matlala was not viewed as a criminal figure at the time but as someone generally known within SAPS circles.

Sibiya claimed that when Matlala arrived, they did not meaningfully interact and that Matlala and his wife left within an hour.

Sibiya will be back on the stand on Tuesday.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao