Matlala Trial Within a Trial: Police Captain Refuses to Reveal Secret Source
The Matlala trial within a trial heard tense evidence on Tuesday as Police Captain Phimi Sekgobela came under sustained cross-examination over the intelligence that triggered a police and private security operation on 17 April 2024.
Sekgobela told the court that the initial information related to a white Hyundai vehicle and a silver Mercedes-Benz. The defence pressed him on whether the address linked to the operation was 34 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Road or Fifth Street.
Sekgobela told the court that he could not recall with certainty whether the location was described as an avenue, road or street, saying the incident happened in 2024 and he would need to verify his statement.
The court heard that the first information came through a police radio broadcast while Sekgobela was driving from OR Tambo International Airport towards the provincial office in Parktown.
He said he later contacted a source for further information. But when the defence asked him to identify the source, Sekgobela refused.
He told the court that revealing the source could put the person’s life at risk.
The defence argued that it was entitled to challenge the evidence, especially because the information formed part of the basis for the operation. Sekgobela maintained that he would not reveal the source.
He also refused to confirm whether the source was an informant, saying one of the arrested people was a police officer and that revealing too much could make it easier to identify the source.
The court further heard that Sekgobela contacted several role players after receiving the information, including SAPS members, Gauteng traffic officials and private security personnel.
Among those mentioned were Captain Tsotetsi, Warrant Officer Piri, Sergeant Ledwaba, Sergeant Masukaneng, SAPS tracking personnel and CAP Security representatives, including Sheppard and Schuman.
Sekgobela said the team later agreed on a meeting point for a briefing before proceeding with the operation.
The cross-examination placed the intelligence behind the operation under sharp scrutiny, with the defence questioning how the information was received, who supplied it and how it was shared before the operation unfolded.
The matter was adjourned for the long break, with the court warning Sekgobela not to discuss his evidence with anyone while still under cross-examination.
