Madlanga Commission | Sibiya rejects claims he gave Matlala access to SAPS facility

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, has told the Madlanga Comission that he never granted alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala access to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Pretoria Training College.

This follows the commission’s presentation of WhatsApp transcripts in which Matlala initially claimed that Sibiya had authorised him to store and operate X-ray machines at the SAPS Training College Hospital in Pretoria.

The commission heard that in December 2022, Matlala filed an urgent court application asserting that he knew Sibiya and had received permission to use the hospital facility.

A journalist later obtained the affidavit and forwarded it to Sibiya – who was acting national commissioner at the time – seeking clarity on the allegations.

The commission was told Sibiya subsequently raised concerns about the affidavit with Sergeant Fannie Nkosi (Witness F). Shortly thereafter, Matlala, through his legal representatives, amended his version of events, stating that Sibiya had not granted him permission to use the SAPS hospital.

Nkosi is alleged to have acted as an intermediary between Sibiya and his alleged associates.

WhatsApp exchanges presented before the commission show Matlala informing Nkosi that he had corrected his affidavit and requesting that Sibiya be made aware of the changes.

When questioned about why Matlala appeared eager to clarify the matter, Sibiya said Matlala had simply corrected an inaccuracy.

“Because he knew that was not true and he knew that this thing is only there to try to destroy me. Those that went to the journalist and told the journalist about me, they were trying to destroy me. They could see that they can use him to try to destroy me or him. That is the reason why,” Sibiya said.

– Confidential documents dispute –

Sibiya also denied sharing confidential SAPS documents with Matlala.

The commission questioned him about his handling of sensitive SAPS transcripts and internal documentation after WhatsApp messages suggested that information may have been shared between Sibiya, Nkosi and Matlala.

The commission heard about an internal audit report investigating allegations against certain SAPS officials, in which Matlala was reportedly implicated.

A journalist had approached the SAPS communications office seeking clarity on why Matlala was still receiving payments despite the audit reportedly recommending termination of his contract and possible criminal charges.

The commission was told that after becoming aware of the media inquiry, Sibiya shared excerpts of the audit report with Nkosi, who allegedly forwarded the information to General Richard Shibiri and Matlala, among others.

Sibiya maintains he acted improperly.

Sibiya further testified that he was directed by the late taxi boss, Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi, to his associate, Steve Motsumi, to discuss matters relating to extortion within the taxi industry.

WhatsApp messages presented to the commission suggest Sibiya requested an urgent meeting with Motsumi and other taxi alliance officials through Nkosi.

The commission heard that the officials were reportedly linked to Matlala and described as dangerous.

When questioned why he did not approach them directly, Sibiya said Nkosi was one of several individuals he turns to for assistance with work-related matters.

Sibiya told the commission that the proposed meeting never took place due to time constraints.

He added that although he had Motsumi’s contact details and could have communicated with him directly, he chose not to in order to avoid forming a close relationship.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao