Photographs from Katiso Molefe’s phone reveal alleged ‘Big Five’ cartel at Madlanga Commission
Photographs recovered from Katiso Molefe “KT” Molefe’s phone were shown at the #MadlangaCommission on Wednesday, putting faces to the alleged “Big Five” cartel for the first time.
Evidence leaders identified the five men as Molefe, Steve Motsumi, Ignatius Mothakathi, “King Nyambose,” and the late taxi boss Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi. A second image included Ze Nxumalo. The pictures were put to retired Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya, who said he knew none of them and had no knowledge of the grouping.
Until now the syndicate had been described in testimony and an organogram that used skull icons to hide some identities. Crime Intelligence first named the alleged Gauteng network in 2025, linking it to drugs, a R360-million police tender, extortion, kidnappings, and contract killings. Those named remain presumed innocent.
The commission is in recess until 14 September.
