Explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission has linked two high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) officials to a massive R1.2 billion tender corruption scandal.
A witness, identified only as Witness C, told the commission that underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala claimed to have paid suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya and KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona multimillion-rand kickbacks.
According to the witness, Matlala boasted that after receiving payments from SAPS, “he would pay Sibiya.” The witness said Matlala provided detailed information about the alleged scheme, including names, payment methods, and bank details.
Matlala reportedly showed investigators proof from an SAPS personnel system identifying Sergeant F. Nkosi — allegedly stationed under Sibiya — as the middleman. He claimed to transfer money to Nkosi via EFT, who then delivered cash packages to Sibiya.
The cancelled R360 million portion of the R1.2 billion contract had earlier been declared invalid by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who said the company involved should never have qualified for bidding.
Witness C also alleged that Matlala had close ties with several top officers, including Counterintelligence Head Feroz Khan and Organised Crime boss Richard Shibiri, while describing Senona as a relative.
In another shocking claim, Matlala allegedly revealed he was tipped off about a planned police raid targeting his home, and admitted to being involved in drug trafficking, money lending, and other criminal activities.
He also claimed to have maintained contact with then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, a statement Mchunu has publicly denied.
Lieutenant-General Sibiya has strongly denied any involvement with Matlala or the tender scheme. The commission has since resumed its proceedings after a break.