Sudden setback halts long-anticipated testimony
The Madlanga Commission came to an abrupt stop on Monday morning after officials confirmed, at the last minute, that Witness F had been hospitalised and could not appear to testify.
It was a sudden turn in a week expected to be intense and revealing. Witness F, a police officer at the centre of several explosive allegations, was due to take the stand for two days of questioning. Instead, the commission was told he was unavailable, leaving the room heavy with unanswered questions and a growing sense of tension around what comes next.
His testimony has now been postponed to 16 March 2026.
Commission to resume on Wednesday as attention shifts to next witness
The commission is expected to resume on Wednesday morning, and the focus has already shifted to who might testify in Witness F’s absence. One possible witness is suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, whose name has repeatedly surfaced during the inquiry.
Even without testimony on Monday, the commission’s broader mission remains unchanged. It is still working through claims of improper relationships, undue influence, and serious misconduct, allegations that continue to cast a long shadow over senior policing circles.
Court application withdrawn days before scheduled appearance
Witness F’s failure to appear comes just days after he withdrew an urgent court application that sought to block his appearance before the commission and prevent investigators from showing his WhatsApp communications.
The withdrawal did little to calm the growing public interest. If anything, it sharpened it. Those messages are considered central to several lines of inquiry, including claims about access to powerful individuals, alleged firearm dealings, and conflicting accounts of police cases.
Previous testimony rattled senior SAPS ranks
Witness F has already delivered evidence that sent shockwaves through the South African Police Service. In earlier testimony, he described how alleged tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was able to move freely within SAPS headquarters and gain access to top generals, including National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Major-General Richard Shibiri.
He also told the commission that he, Matlala, and Shibiri attended a “Thanksgiving ceremony” at Sibiya’s home in September 2024, a claim that continues to intensify scrutiny around relationships between senior officers and influential outsiders.
WhatsApp chats and firearms claims remain the most sensitive thread
Among the most delicate strands before the commission are allegations involving political interference and illicit deals. The inquiry has heard details of WhatsApp conversations between Witness F and a contact saved as the late Deputy President David Mabuza. The witness has identified the contact as Mabuza’s nephew, Siphiwe Mabuza.
The discussions allegedly revolved around the sale of 750 firearms, with Witness F admitting under questioning that he expressed interest in testing the weapons for personal use.
Disputed Mamelodi case and other controversies deepen the storm
The commission has also weighed accusations that Witness F misled the inquiry about a matter in Mamelodi. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson previously challenged the witness’s version, after Witness F claimed it was a domestic abuse incident. The commission, however, contends it was a murder scene where 50 cartridge cases were found.
In a separate controversy, Witness F has been linked to the arrest of blogger Musa Khawula, allegedly under pressure from former deputy minister of police Cassel Mathale.
Public scrutiny grows ahead of rescheduled appearance
Witness F’s testimony is now expected on 16 March 2026, and with it comes renewed pressure for clarity. Parts of his evidence may still be heard behind closed doors, but the public will be watching closely for answers to allegations that touch the heart of the criminal justice system.
When the commission returns on Wednesday, it is expected to confirm the updated witness schedule and indicate whether senior figures, including Sibiya, will be called to testify in open proceedings.